Winch Drum Anchor Slot Leverage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing winch systems face difficulties in easily removing the cable anchor from the drum, especially under high loads, which complicates cable replacement and can lead to damage to the rotatable drum.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first slot on the anchor and a second slot on the drum adjacent to the anchor pocket, allowing a pry tool to be used as a lever to dislodge the anchor, facilitating its removal without damaging the drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a wedge-shaped anchor is used to securely fasten the cable to the drum, then the cable anchoring strength is improved, but the difficulty of removing the anchor increases under high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is segmented into two functional parts: a wedge-shaped anchoring portion that provides secure fastening, and a separate body portion with a slot that allows for tool insertion. This segmentation enables the anchor to maintain strong anchoring while providing a mechanism for easy removal by inserting a tool through the slot to disengage the wedge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A removal tool serves as an intermediary element that interacts with the slot in the anchor body. The tool mediates between the operator and the anchored cable, allowing the operator to apply force through the slot to disengage the wedge-shaped anchoring portion without directly manipulating the tightly secured cable or anchor under load.
2Reliability
If the anchor is drawn tightly into the anchor pocket under load, then the cable connection reliability is improved, but the risk of damaging the rotatable drum increases during removal attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The slot in the anchor body acts as an intermediary access point that allows a removal tool to engage with the anchor's internal wedge mechanism. This intermediary structure enables controlled disengagement of the anchor from the drum pocket, preventing forced removal attempts that could damage the drum while maintaining reliable anchoring during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot is pre-formed in the anchor body during manufacturing, providing advance preparation for potential future removal. This preliminary structural feature ensures that when removal is needed, the process can be initiated safely through the pre-existing access point rather than requiring damage to the drum or anchor to create a removal path.
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
This design significantly simplifies the process of removing the anchor, enabling easy cable replacement and maintenance without damaging the winch drum, even under high loads.
Implementation Method 1
An edge of the second slot forms a fulcrum point for a pry tool inserted into the first and second slots for freeing the anchor from the anchor pocket
Data Source
AI summary
A winch includes a motor and a rotatable drum drivingly attached to the motor. The rotatable drum includes an anchor pocket therein. A cable includes a proximal end connected to the rotatable drum by an anchor received in said anchor pocket with the cable wrapped around the anchor. The anchor includes a first slot in a surface thereof and the rotatable drum includes a second slot therein adjacent to the anchor pocket that allows access to the first slot in the anchor. An edge of the second slot forms a fulcrum point for a pry tool inserted into the first and second slots for freeing the anchor from the anchor pocket.