Winch with Internal Drum Electronics for Load Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional winches require complex machining and assembly processes, which complicate the positioning of sensors and expose electronic components to damage, leading to potential functionality and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A winch design with a simplified structure featuring a reaction element that internally accommodates deformation detection means and an electronic processing unit, eliminating the need for complex machining and providing protected accommodation for electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges are applied on the outer surface of the pivot with connection cables passing through radial holes, then load detection is enabled, but the pivot structure is weakened and machining complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the electronic control unit inside the drum, nesting it within the existing structure. This eliminates the need for external mounting and associated cable passages through the pivot, thereby preserving pivot strength while maintaining load detection functionality through the strain gauges on the pivot surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit is extracted from its vulnerable external position and relocated to the protected interior of the drum. This separation removes the need for cable passages through the pivot structure, eliminating the weakening effect while preserving the measurement capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the electronic control unit is positioned externally to the winch, then cable access is simplified, but the unit is exposed to impact and damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit is nested inside the drum structure, which provides physical protection against impact and damage. The drum itself acts as a protective enclosure, eliminating the vulnerability of externally mounted units while maintaining functional connectivity through the pivot.
3Reliability
If the drum is pre-assembled with sealing elements and then mounted on the wall, then sealing is improved, but the assembly process becomes complex due to weight and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The winch is divided into modular components: the drum with integrated sealing elements, the pivot with strain gauges, and the supporting wall structure. This segmentation allows each component to be prepared independently with appropriate sealing and mounting features, simplifying the overall assembly process despite the weight and space constraints.
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
Simplifies the production and assembly of winch components, ensures the integrity and functionality of electronic components, and enhances safety by effectively monitoring load conditions without compromising the pivot's structure.
Implementation Method 1
Strain gauges are applied on the pivot for detecting deformations of the pivot proper; the signal read by such strain gauges is sent to an electronic unit that processes them to obtain the corresponding twisting moment applied to the pivot
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A winch (1) with simplified structure comprising a supporting frame (2) which comprises a first wall and a second wall (3, 4) which are mutually opposite, a drum (5) which is interposed between the first and second walls (3, 4) and is supported by them so as to rotate about its longitudinal axis (A) which is transverse to the walls, a flexible element (6) for moving a load being wound around the drum (5); and drive means (7) associated with the first wall (3) and with transmission means (8) for rotationally actuating the drum (5), which are accommodated inside the drum. The winch further comprises a reaction element (9) which is associated with the second wall (4), which supports the drum (5) so as to rotate and which is associated with the transmission means (8) in order to support them.