Resilient Elastomeric Buffer for Winch Cable Overdraw Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Winches and hoists are prone to cable overdraw, leading to damage from the hook contacting the winch, with no effective solution currently available.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a resilient elastomeric member with a central opening and end caps, designed to mount on the winch cable, absorbs over-tension and prevents the hook from contacting the winch by acting as a cushion, featuring a compressible waist and lateral slots to secure the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable is allowed to be drawn freely without restriction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of overdraw and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by installing a resilient member (buffer) at the end of the winch cable before overdraw can occur. This cushion absorbs excess cable length and prevents the hook from contacting the winch, thereby maintaining ease of operation while protecting against damage. The buffer is positioned in advance to handle unexpected overdraw situations.
2Reliability
If a protective device is added to prevent overdraw, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible resilient member (buffer) made of elastomeric material that surrounds the cable. This flexible cushion absorbs overdraw forces without requiring complex mechanical structures, bearings, or adjustment mechanisms. The simple cylindrical buffer design protects the winch while adding minimal complexity to the cable assembly.
3Reliability
If the cable is restrained to prevent overdraw, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a resilient member that is flexible and deformable under load. The buffer allows the cable to extend freely during normal operation but dynamically responds to overdraw forces by compressing and absorbing the excess movement. This dynamic behavior maintains operational freedom while preventing damage.
4Reliability
If a resilient cushion is installed on the cable, then the reliability is improved by preventing hook-to-winch contact, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member serves multiple functions: it acts as a cushion to absorb overdraw forces, provides a physical barrier preventing hook-to-winch contact, and can potentially serve as a visual indicator of cable tension status. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the component by delivering several protective benefits simultaneously.
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
Prevents damage to the winch and hook by absorbing over-tension and securely maintaining the cable, preventing accidental exit and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member or cushion (100) configured to be mounted to the cable (10). The resilient member generally prevents the hook, mounted at the free extremity of the cable, from contacting the winch when the cable is overdrawn
Data Source
AI summary
A device for preventing the hook, or a similar attachment element, mounted at the free extremity of a winch cable to contact the winch or associated related structures is disclosed. The device is mounted to the winch cable, typically near or adjacent to the hook and comprises a resilient member or cushion configured to resiliently absorb over-tension in the cable and/or hook when the cable is wound on the shaft of the winch. The device therefore generally prevents damaging contacts between the hook and the winch.