Windlass Attenuated Stop Inertial Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Windlass systems face catastrophic inertial forces during sudden power loss or emergency stops, leading to potential damage and injury due to rapid deceleration, which existing technologies fail to adequately mitigate.
Innovation Solution
A windlass system with a drivetrain, safety brakes, power detectors, auxiliary power supply, and brake torque control that gradually applies a rotation-retarding torque to the drivetrain upon power loss, extending over a predetermined interval to attenuate inertial forces, thereby preventing abrupt stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a sudden stop is applied during power loss, then the stopping distance is reduced, but excessive inertial forces are generated causing damage and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates an auxiliary power supply upon detecting primary power loss, which gradually applies braking torque through a brake torque control system before complete stop. This pre-cushioning approach reduces inertial forces by extending the deceleration period, preventing catastrophic damage while still achieving timely stop.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake torque control dynamically adjusts the braking force over time, transitioning from gradual torque application to complete stop. This dynamic control allows the system to balance stopping distance requirements with inertial force reduction, adapting the deceleration profile to minimize harmful effects.
2Reliability
If primary power is abruptly removed, then the emergency stop response is immediate, but catastrophic inertial forces result
Solution Approach 1:
The power detector immediately triggers the auxiliary power supply upon detecting primary power loss, initiating a controlled deceleration sequence. This preliminary action ensures reliable emergency response while the brake torque control gradually applies braking force to prevent catastrophic inertial forces that would otherwise occur with abrupt power removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary power supply acts as an intermediary between primary power loss and complete system stop. It provides controlled power to the brake torque control system, enabling gradual torque application that mediates between the need for immediate emergency response and the requirement to protect structural integrity from excessive forces.
3Loss of time
If a rapid deceleration is applied, then the stop time is reduced, but excessive forces damage structures and injure personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The brake torque control dynamically modulates the braking force, starting with gradual torque application and increasing to complete stop. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between stop time and force generation, achieving timely cessation of motion while keeping inertial forces within safe limits to prevent structural damage and personnel injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies braking torque gradually before complete stop is achieved, cushioning the deceleration process. This beforehand cushioning extends the stop time slightly but prevents excessive force generation, protecting structures and personnel from the harmful effects of rapid deceleration while still achieving effective emergency stopping.
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
The system effectively reduces inertial forces to manageable levels, preventing damage to structures and injury to personnel, while maintaining operational control and extending service life by ensuring a controlled and safe stop during power loss events.
Implementation Method 1
at least one safety brake arranged to engage the drivetrain for applying a rotation-retarding torque to the drivetrain
Data Source
AI summary
A windlass system and method in which an inertial force resulting from an abrupt removal of primary operating power from a primary source of power during a lifting operation being carried out by a windlass of the windlass system is attenuated to reduce load forces generated by the inertial force.