Electronic winch monitoring system
US7063306B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB66D1/54
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electronic winch monitoring system for a winch having a fixed-ratio gearbox with input and output shafts, a winch drum connected to the output shaft, and an auxiliary brake connected to the output shaft activated by reducing the pressure in a brake release hydraulic circuit. The system comprises an input shaft speed sensor, an output shaft speed sensor, and an electronic control unit having a monitoring section and a brake control section. The monitoring section receives the speed signals, processes them to produce a calculated ratio of actual input to output shaft speeds, and produces a fault indication signal when the value of the difference between the calculated speed ratio and the fixed ratio exceeds a predetermined value. The brake control section, upon receiving the fault signal, reduces the hydraulic pressure in the brake circuit using a nonlinear pressure-time profile to engage the auxiliary brake and stop the winch drum.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.