Rotatable Handle Interface for Single-Handed Winch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable winch systems require a second person for operation, posing safety risks and limitations in scenarios like mountain climbing, caving, and military operations where single-handed control is essential.
Innovation Solution
A portable power driven system with a single-handed rotatable handle user interface that controls the direction and speed of a rope grab, integrated with an electrical motor and rechargeable battery, allowing for single-handed operation and potential remote control, featuring a hinged safety arrangement and anchoring point for secure use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional winch or hoist is used, then the system provides reliable rope advancement capability, but it requires at least a second person to operate the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (direction control and speed control) into a single rotatable handle interface. The handle's rotation direction controls the direction of rope advancement, while the rotation speed controls the advancement speed, eliminating the need for separate controls and enabling single-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable handle serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a direction control mechanism and a speed control mechanism. By rotating the handle in different directions and at different speeds, the user can control both the direction and speed of rope advancement through a single interface element.
2Speed
If a complex user interface with separate controls for direction and speed is used, then precise control is achieved, but rapid direction changes require hand movement away from the handle
Solution Approach 1:
By merging direction and speed control into a single rotatable handle, the user can maintain continuous contact with the control interface while making rapid direction changes. The handle remains in the user's hand throughout the entire operation, eliminating the need to move the hand away for direction changes.
3Reliability
If a portable winch system is used, then mobility and single-person operation are enabled, but integrated safety anchoring mechanisms are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the anchoring mechanism directly into the main body of the portable winch system. The anchoring point is built into the housing structure, allowing the user to secure the device to an anchor point while maintaining the portability and simplicity of the overall system design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables single-person operation of the winch system, enhancing safety by allowing rapid direction changes without hand movement, particularly beneficial in hazardous situations, and providing a secure anchoring mechanism for user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable battery electrically connected to and configured for powering the electrical motor
Implementation Method 2
an electrical motor, the electrical motor comprising a drive shaft
Implementation Method 3
a rope grab configured to receive the rope, the rope grab connected to the drive shaft of the electrical motor for rotation of the rope grab
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a user interface for a portable power driven system, specifically in relation to an integrated user interface for controlling such an arrangement, and being applicable for example in relation to an ascender/descender arrangement. The invention also relates to a corresponding method and computer program product for operating such a portable power driven system.