Detachable Winch Buffer Shell for Impact and Abrasion Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle winch buffer members are prone to damage when not in use due to exposure and impact, leading to reduced service life and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A protective shell comprising a first and second shell that detachably connect to the winch assembly, with the first shell accommodating the buffer member and the second shell opening and closing a through hole to protect it from external forces and abrasion, allowing for separate replacement of damaged shells to reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the buffer member is exposed on the vehicle body for easy access and operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the buffer member is prone to damage due to impact and abrasion, reducing its reliability and service life
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shell is divided into a first shell and a second shell that can be separately assembled and disassembled. The first shell is fixed to the rope guide while the second shell can be opened to access the buffer member, or removed entirely for easy access. This segmentation allows the protective function to be maintained while enabling convenient access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shell acts as an intermediary structure between the external environment and the buffer member. It provides physical protection against impact and abrasion while allowing controlled access to the buffer member through the detachable second shell, thus mediating between protection requirements and operational accessibility.
2Reliability
If the buffer member is protected by a fixed enclosure, then the reliability and service life are improved, but the ease of operation and maintenance deteriorates due to difficulty in accessing and replacing the buffer member
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shell is segmented into two detachable parts: the first shell that remains fixed to the rope guide for continuous protection, and the second shell that can be removed or opened to access the buffer member. This segmentation enables both protection and accessibility without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shell transitions from a static fixed enclosure to a dynamic structure where the second shell can be detached or opened as needed. This dynamic characteristic allows the shell to adapt between providing full protection during storage and allowing access during operation or maintenance.
3Reliability
If the entire protective shell is replaced when damaged, then the reliability is restored, but the loss of substance and maintenance cost increase due to replacing both intact and damaged components
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shell is designed as separable components (first shell and second shell) that can be independently replaced. When one shell becomes damaged, only that specific shell needs replacement rather than the entire assembly, reducing material waste and maintenance costs while restoring full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable design allows the intact shell to be recovered and reused while only the damaged shell is discarded and replaced. This selective replacement approach minimizes material waste and reduces maintenance costs compared to replacing the entire protective shell assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective shell for a vehicle winch includes a first shell and a second shell. The first shell has a first end and a second end that are oppositely arranged in a first direction. The first end of the first shell is detachably connected to a rope guide of the vehicle winch. The first shell includes a through hole penetrating the first shell along the first direction and configured to accommodate at least a part of a buffer member of the vehicle winch. The second shell is detachably connected to the second end of the first shell to open and close the through hole.