Winch Security Apparatus Back-Up Motor Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing winch security systems, like the 'Motosuiveur', face challenges in regaining control of loads during exceptional failure situations, particularly in environments where manual access is restricted or difficult, and when brakes lock the shaft, requiring manual intervention and tedious operation.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a splined shaft, pocketed wheel, elastic member, and back-up motor system that allows the pocketed wheel to engage with a drive wheel in failure situations, enabling the back-up motor to rotate the worm and overcome brake friction, eliminating the need for manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual intervention on the security apparatus is used to rotate the worm, then control of the load can be regained, but the operation becomes tedious and access may be restricted or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of regaining controlVSAvoidcomplexity of access requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses itself to solve the problem. The back-up motor, which is part of the security apparatus, automatically activates to rotate the worm when failure is detected, eliminating the need for external manual intervention. The apparatus serves its own rescue function without requiring external access or operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of rotating the worm is replaced by an automated motor-driven system. The back-up motor provides the rotational force electronically/automatically rather than requiring manual mechanical input, substituting a simpler control interface for the complex manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the brake locks the shaft to stop the winch, then the winch is secured, but it becomes impossible to regain control without manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of winch stoppingVSAvoidease of regaining control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when the brake has locked the shaft and activates the back-up motor to overcome the brake friction and rotate the worm, enabling self-rescue without external intervention. The apparatus monitors its own state and executes the recovery sequence autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The back-up motor is pre-positioned and pre-configured to counteract the brake force. When the brake engages, the back-up motor immediately applies opposing rotational force to overcome the friction and unlock the system, preventing the locked state from becoming permanent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Productivity

If the follow-up motor rotates the worm during normal operation, then the security apparatus remains transparent, but the motor is not powerful enough to rotate the worm in failure situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenormal operation continuityVSAvoidpower of motor

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The motor function is segmented into two distinct systems: the follow-up motor for normal transparent operation and the back-up motor for failure recovery. Each motor is optimized for its specific function, with the back-up motor having sufficient power for emergency situations without compromising the normal operation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between two motor systems based on operational conditions. During normal operation, the follow-up motor provides gentle rotation for transparency. Upon detecting failure, the system transitions to the back-up motor which delivers high torque to overcome brake friction and emergency loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system provides sufficient driving power to actuate the worm in failure situations, allowing easy and quick control of loads without manual intervention, even when brakes are engaged, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member whereof one end is connected to a stop piece secured to the splined shaft and whereof the other end is connected to the pocketed wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

means for damping the sliding of the worm in the housing in the case of an exceptional failure situation of the lifting device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9272885B2Assembly comprising a security apparatus equipping a lifting device, in particular a winch, and a system for actuating said apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 SIGUREN INGIE

AI summary

This assembly includes a security apparatus equipping a lifting device, in particular a winch, and a system for actuating the apparatus The security apparatus includes a toothed wheel, wedged on the shaft of the lifting device, and a worm meshing with the toothed wheel. The assembly also includes: a splined shaft secured to one end of the worm; a pocketed wheel with inner and outer splines, engaged on the splined shaft; an elastic member between the pocketed wheel and a stop piece; a drive wheel with a splined hub, with which the pocketed wheel is capable of engaging rotationally; and a back-up motor, capable of rotating the drive wheel.