Winch Cable Control via Friction Loop and Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing winches face difficulties in efficiently unwinding and winding heavy cables due to complex and ineffective control mechanisms, particularly when arranged on tow trucks, where cables can weigh several hundred kilograms and are prone to tangling.

Innovation Solution

The winch incorporates a power transfer mechanism to influence the movement of an elongated element in an endless loop, which interacts with the cable, including counter support members and motorized diverting members to control cable movement, enabling efficient unwinding and winding without tangling, using hydraulic motors and spring members for friction control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydraulic cylinders are used to move the arrangement for controlling the cable, then the cable control influence is achieved, but the device complexity increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable control reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the hydraulic cylinders from the system and replaces them with a mechanical power transfer mechanism. The power transfer means directly moves the diverting members without requiring complex hydraulic systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining cable control reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the hydraulic system with a mechanical power transfer mechanism. The power transfer means uses direct mechanical engagement to move the diverting members, substituting the hydraulic cylinder system with a simpler mechanical arrangement that achieves the same control function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If the cable is made heavy for strength, then the lifting capacity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable strengthVSAvoidcable handling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary power transfer mechanism between the drum and the cable. This mechanism includes diverting members that the power transfer means can move to control cable flow, acting as a mediator that reduces the direct handling burden of heavy cables while maintaining their strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the diverting members movable rather than fixed. The power transfer means can dynamically adjust the position of diverting members to facilitate cable unwinding and winding, making the system adaptable to the heavy cable's movement needs and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the cable is wound quickly on the drum, then the productivity is improved, but the cable tangling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewinding speedVSAvoidcable winding organization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the diverting members movable so that the power transfer means can dynamically adjust their positions during the winding process. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain high winding speeds while preventing cable tangling by optimizing the cable path in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a control system that monitors cable winding conditions and adjusts the diverting member positions accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the cable is wound efficiently at high speeds while maintaining proper organization and preventing tangling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution allows for reliable, cost-efficient, and uncomplicated control of cable movement, facilitating easy handling and smooth feeding of heavy cables, preventing tangling during winding and providing controlled braking forces for secure operation.

Implementation Method 1

an elongated element extending in an endless loop around at least two diverting members and configured to bear against the cable at a distance to the drum so as to by friction to the cable move in said endless loop

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the winch comprises at least one spring member configured to establish pressure of said elongated element to the cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

using hydraulic motors and spring members for friction control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP2878569B1A winch with an arrangement for controlling a cable thereof

Publication Date: 2016.06.01 SEPSON

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

A winch comprises a driven drum, a cable (6) configured to be wound around the drum and an elongated element (15,16) extending in an endless loop around at least two diverting members (17-20) and configured to bear against the cable (6) at a distance to the drum so as to by friction to the cable (6) move in said endless loop upon movement of the cable (6) along a part (23a,23b) of said loop. The winch further comprises means configured to be able to transfer power to at least one member (17-20) in engagement with the elongated element (15,16) so as to affect the ability of said element (15,16) to move in the endless loop and consequently the cable (6) to move along said part (23a,23b) of the loop.