Winch Guiding Member Torque Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In marine and harsh environments, proximity switches or sensors used to control winch guiding members are unreliable due to adverse conditions, affecting the precise operation of winches.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus where the guiding member's movement is controlled by monitoring the torque of an electric motor, changing direction when the torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, eliminating the need for external sensors or switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If proximity switches or sensors are used to detect end positions of the guiding member, then the control precision of the guiding member is improved, but the reliability of the system deteriorates in harsh marine environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend position detection precisionVSAvoidsystem reliability in harsh environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces proximity switches or sensors with a torque-based detection system. The electric motor's torque is monitored during guiding member movement, and when the torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, it indicates the guiding member has reached an end position. This substitution eliminates fragile electronic sensors vulnerable to marine harsh conditions while maintaining detection functionality through mechanical/torque sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the motor's own torque output as the detection signal for end positions. Instead of requiring external sensors, the motor's inherent torque characteristics are exploited to provide position information. The control unit monitors the motor's torque during operation, and the motor's own operational parameters serve the dual purpose of both actuation and detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If proximity switches or sensors are installed at end positions, then the control accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend position detection accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the proximity switches or sensors from the system. By removing these additional components, the device complexity is reduced while still achieving accurate end position detection through torque monitoring of the existing motor. The solution strips away unnecessary parts and uses only the motor's inherent characteristics for detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor is given a dual function: it not only drives the guiding member but also provides the detection signal through its torque output. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection capability. The same motor serves both actuation and sensing purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If additional sensors or switches are added to detect end positions, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of information about system state increases due to component failure in harsh conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend position detection precisionVSAvoidinformation loss due to sensor failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic proximity switches with a torque-based detection system that uses the motor's mechanical output characteristics. This substitution eliminates the vulnerable electronic sensors that can fail in harsh marine environments, thereby preventing information loss while maintaining detection precision through the motor's torque signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach enhances the reliability of winch operation by accurately detecting end positions without additional components, improving the winch's performance in challenging conditions.

Implementation Method 1

driving the guiding member towards one of the two end positions by a first electric motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

monitoring a torque of the first electric motor or a quantity indicative thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS9950914B2Method for operating winch, and winch

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A method for operating a winch and a winch having a winch drum for spooling a spoolable medium, wherein the winch drum is rotatable about a first axis, a guiding member for guiding the spoolable medium, wherein the guiding member is movable along a second axis between two end positions, and an electric drive having a first electric motor for driving the guiding member towards one of the two end positions during spooling in or spooling out of the spoolable medium. The electric drive is configured to change the driving direction of the guiding member when a monitored torque of the first electric motor, or a quantity indicative thereof, exceeds a predetermined threshold.