Sailing Winch Electric Energy Storage for Low-Resistance Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing winch systems for sailing vessels face issues such as increased resistance due to hydraulic energy storage systems and mechanical transmission complexity, weight, and bulk, which are not optimally designed for regattas, and require complex installation.
Innovation Solution
A winch system incorporating an electric generator and accumulator, preferably using super capacitors, connected via electrical wiring, which balances energy storage and release, reducing resistance and simplifying installation by adapting to vessel geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a hydraulic energy storage system with pressure accumulator is used, then energy can be stored and released for winch drive, but the resistance increases as the pressure in the storage tank increases, which is not optimal for the winch operation profile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic energy storage system with an electrical energy storage system. The mechanical-hydraulic coupling (pedestal-win ch-drum) is substituted by an electrical coupling through a generator connected to the pedestal and an energy storage device. This eliminates the resistance issue inherent in hydraulic systems where resistance increases with pressure, while maintaining the ability to store and release energy efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the energy storage system from hydraulic (fluid pressure) to electrical (voltage and current). This parameter change allows for different operational characteristics where the electrical system can be controlled to provide optimal resistance characteristics that match the winch operation profile, unlike the hydraulic system where resistance is directly tied to pressure buildup.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical transmission means are used to connect pedestal to winch drum, then motion can be transmitted, but the means must be designed according to specific vessel geometry and obstacles increase complexity, weight and bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical transmission systems with electrical transmission. Instead of mechanical linkages, belts, or chains that require careful design according to vessel geometry and are sensitive to obstacles, the system uses electrical wiring to connect the generator at the pedestal to the energy storage device and motor. This electrical coupling is much simpler, more flexible, and less affected by physical obstacles or geometric constraints.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical transmission means are used, then motion transmission is achieved, but weight and bulk of the transmission means increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes heavy mechanical transmission components with lightweight electrical wiring and electronic components. The mechanical transmission system would require robust linkages, bearings, and protective housings that add significant weight. The electrical system uses thin cables and compact electronic components that achieve the same function with minimal weight increase.
4Use of energy by moving object
If hydraulic energy storage system is used, then energy storage is achieved, but the system is not compact and installation is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky hydraulic system with a compact electrical system. Hydraulic systems require large pressure accumulators, fluid lines, seals, and maintenance infrastructure. The electrical system uses compact energy storage devices (such as capacitors or small battery packs) that can be easily installed and require minimal maintenance, greatly simplifying the installation process.
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
The system provides energy-efficient, compact, and easily installable winches with balanced resistance, enabling rapid energy storage and release, enhancing maneuverability and reducing human intervention through automatic control.
Implementation Method 1
at least one energy generator connectable to said at least one manual drive means and/or to the winch drum
Implementation Method 2
at least one energy accumulator, preferably connectable to the generator to store at least part of the energy generated by said manual drive means and/or the winch drum and deliver it to the non-manual drive motor as needed
Implementation Method 3
at least one non-manual drive motor of the winch drum, preferably the non-manual motor is an electric motor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Winch system (1) for sailing vessels, comprising at least one winch (2), at least one manual drive means (7) of a winch drum, at least one non-manual drive motor (15) of the winch drum, and at least one energy generator (13) connectable to said at least one manual drive means (7). The non-manual drive motor (15) is an electric motor, and the energy generator (13) is an electric generator.