Winch Free Spool Actuation Mechanism for Carrier Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing winch systems for rollback carriers and tow trucks require remote actuation systems for engaging and disengaging the winch free spool device, which increases vehicle cost and complexity, especially when not equipped with pneumatic systems, and necessitates operators to walk around the vehicle to operate the winch free spool device.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism featuring a first and second actuator coupled to a winch free spool device with a lever arm, allowing for dual-sided engagement and disengagement of the winch free spool device by positioning bushings into engagement with brackets, enabling the winch free spool device to be locked in an engaged or disengaged position without the need for remote actuation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote actuation system (electric or pneumatic) is used to engage or disengage the winch free spool device, then the operator can control the winch from various locations around the vehicle, but the vehicle cost increases significantly, particularly if the vehicle is not otherwise equipped with a pneumatic system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex remote actuation system (electrical or pneumatic components) from the vehicle while retaining the essential function of engaging and disengaging the winch free spool device. The manual handle provides direct mechanical actuation at the winch location, extracting the unnecessary complexity of remote control systems while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual handle enables the operator to directly engage or disengage the winch free spool device without requiring external actuation systems. The operator performs the actuation themselves at the winch location, eliminating the need for separate control systems and reducing overall vehicle complexity.
2Device complexity
If a manual handle is used to engage or disengage the winch free spool device, then the vehicle cost is reduced, but the operator must be positioned directly at the winch location to operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the manual handle and operating mechanism at the winch location itself, changing the spatial dimension of operation from remote control to direct local operation. This allows the operator to engage or disengage the free spool device by simply reaching to the winch, eliminating the need for complex remote actuation while maintaining ease of operation through direct mechanical access.
3Loss of time
If the winch free spool device is positioned on the winch, then the time needed to extend the winch line to a vehicle is reduced, but the winch may be positioned at various locations (middle point, lateral side, or on other components) requiring different access points for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The manual handle is designed as a universal operating mechanism that can access and operate the winch free spool device regardless of which of the several possible winch positions is used (middle point of bed, lateral side, or on side recovery system). This single handle design provides multi-functional access to maintain quick operation across different winch configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A winch assembly includes a first bracket configured to be positioned at a first lateral side of a vehicle, a second bracket configured to be positioned at a second lateral side of the vehicle, a first actuator and a second actuator configured to be coupled to a winch free spool device, a first bushing coupled to the first actuator, a second bushing coupled to the second actuator, and a lever arm coupled to both the first actuator and the second actuator and configured to interface with the winch free spool device. The first actuator and the second actuator are moveable to position the first bushing into engagement with the first bracket or position the second bushing into engagement with the second bracket to selectively lock the winch free spool device in an engaged position.