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(11) | EP 4 242 159 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | A WINCH ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR CHANGING ORIENTATION OF AN OBJECT SUSPENDED FROM A WINCH ASSEMBLY |
| (57) A winch assembly (10) for changing an orientation of an object (50), the winch assembly
(10) comprises - a centre wire unit (20); - two or three end wire manipulator units (30A, 30B, 30C); - two or three wires (40A, 40B, 40C) extend from the centre wire unit (20) to two or three end wire manipulator units (30A, 30B, 30C), wherein the two or three wires (40A, 40B, 40C) comprises wire ends (41) configured for connecting to an object (50); - a first linear rail (60), wherein the centre wire unit (20) is displaceable connected to the first linear rail (60), and first displacement means (61) for displacing the centre wire unit (20) along the first linear rail (60), such that a wirelength from the two or three end wire manipulator units (30A, 30B, 30C) to an object can be synchronously changed by displacement of the centre wire unit (20). |
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a winch for use in productions in the entertainment industry or at fair shows. The winch according to the invention can change an orientation of an object hanging from the winch.
Background of the Invention
[0002] When setting up productions in the entertainment industry, such as concerts, operas, ballets, plays, live tv-shows, moving objects, such as stage props and lighting, are an essential part of the setup.
[0003] It is relatively simple to make a winch move an object and thereby changing the vertical position of the object. However, the complexity increases significantly when a winch-setup should be able to change the orientation of an object at a given height. Here, the winch assembly may comprise two or three winches connected to the object at two or three different contact points and by changing the vertical position of these contact points the orientation of the object is changed.
[0004] Thus, each object is controlled by two or three winches depending on the complexity and the dimensionality of the desired movement. As a precaution, each of the two or three winches connected to the object is designed to hold the weight of the object for security reasons - thus each winch is over dimensioned during normal operation.
[0005] Furthermore, it is rather complex to ensure that the two or three winches are moving in a synchronised manner. This is in part due to gravity as it will always be easier to lower the height of a contact point than to increase the height of a contact point.
[0006] Thus, there is a need to provide a winch assembly which will simplify the step of changing orientation of an object.
Object of the Invention
[0007] It is an object to provide for changing an orientation of an object and a method for changing an orientation of an object suspended from a winch assembly.
Description of the Invention
[0008] An object of the invention is achieved by a winch assembly for changing an orientation of an object. The winch assembly comprises
- a centre wire unit;
- two or three end wire manipulator units;
- two or three wires extending from the centre wire unit to two or three end wire manipulator units, wherein the two or three wires comprise wire ends configured for connecting to an object;
- a first linear rail, wherein the centre wire unit is displaceable connected to the first linear rail, and first displacement means for displacing the centre wire unit along the first linear rail, such that a wirelength from the two or three end wire manipulator units to an object can be synchronously changed by displacement of the centre wire unit.
[0009] Thereby, the orientation of the object is changed as the wirelength depending on the position of the centre wire unit relative to the two or three end wire manipulator units. This is considerably simpler than what is taught in the prior art. Furthermore, the change in orientation of the object will always be synchronised as the position and changes to the position of the centre wire unit determines the orientation of the object.
[0010] The winch assembly is configured for changing the orientation of an object by attaching the wire ends of the two or three wires to two or three contacts points on the object.
[0011] The effect of the winch assembly may be described by movement along one axis in a two-dimensional space. The displacement of the centre wire unit along the first linear rail, which first linear rail defines an X-axis, will cause the object to change orientation. This is for example shown in figures 1 and 3.
[0012] By moving the centre wire unit along the first linear rail, the wirelength from the two end wire manipulator units to the object is increased for one end wire manipulator unit and decreased for the other end wire manipulator unit.
[0013] In an embodiment, the winch assembly comprises only two end wire manipulator units and the end wire manipulator units are positioned on each side of the first linear rail such that the end wire manipulator units and the first linear rail define a substantially straight line. This is the simplest winch assembly able to change the orientation of an object as shown in figures 1 and 3.
[0014] In another embodiment, the winch assembly may be described by movement along one or two axes in a three-dimensional space. By displacing the centre wire unit along the first linear rail, the object may be in a tilted configuration and may be tilted in one, two, or three directions. This will depend on the direction of the first linear rail and the position of the end wire manipulator units.
[0016] The centre wire unit may comprise slide means configured for being in sliding communication with the first linear rail. The slide means may be a slide connected to the first linear rail and having a top adapted for connection with the centre wire unit.
[0017] The wire ends configured for connecting to an object may comprise ferrule secured loops, open or closed sockets, or any other advantageously shaped wire end connector. The wire ends may be releasably connected to the object to allow the object to be replaced or removed for maintenance purposes.
[0018] The centre wire unit comprises two or three wires, wherein each of the two or three wires is connected to the centre wire unit in one end and has a wire end in the other end. Each of the two or three wires goes through one of the two or three end wire manipulator units thus changing the direction of the two or three wires to a substantial vertical direction.
[0019] In an embodiment, the winch assembly may further comprise at least one intermediate wire manipulator unit between the centre wire unit and the end wire manipulator units, the at least one intermediate wire manipulator unit being adapted for changing the direction of the one or more of the two or three wires.
[0020] As displacement of the centre wire unit may change the wirelength from each of the two or three end manipulator units to the respective wire ends, the object attached by the wire ends may be tilted.
[0021] In the embodiments where the two or three end wire manipulator units and the centre wire unit are arranged in a non-linear manner, one or more of the two or three end wire manipulator units may further comprise a housing unit adapted to be pivotably attached to the winch assembly. The pivotable attachment of the housing unit enables that the housing unit can pivot as a function of the position of the centre wire unit.
[0022] The housing unit may comprise a pulley defining a pulley rotation plane and the pivotable attachment of the housing unit enables that the pulley rotation plane is or is close to being a tangent to the centre wire unit, such that the wire extending from the pulley to the centre wire unit is substantially within the pulley rotation plane as this will decrease the risk of the wire dislocating out of the pulley, i.e. the reliability of the winch assembly will increase.
[0023] The winch assembly may stand alone or be part of a system of winch assemblies comprising many objects and appertaining winch assemblies.
[0024] The object may be a screen, light source, fan, camera or a camcorder, stage prop, or any other objects.
[0025] In an embodiment, the first linear rail may be two first linear and parallel rails and the centre wire unit is displaceable connected to first linear and parallel rails.
[0026] In an aspect of the invention, the winch assembly may further comprise a second linear rail and a platform displaceably connected to the second linear rail, and second displacement means for the platform, wherein the first linear rail and centre wire unit are positioned on the platform.
[0027] The second linear rail may comprise two parallel linear rails for enhancing the structural load capabilities and evenly distribute the forces created by the object suspended by the two or three wires connected to the two or three end wire manipulator units.
[0028] By adding a second linear rail, a second displacement member, and a platform on which the first linear rail and the centre wire unit is placed upon to a winch assembly comprising three end wire manipulator units and three wires, the orientation of the object may be changed by movement in three points. Thereby, the winch assembly may be described by movement along one, two, or three axes in a three-dimensional space.
[0029] By changing the length of the three wires connecting the object to the winch assembly, the object is moved vertically along a Y-axis. By displacing the centre wire unit along the first linear rail, which defines an X-axis, the object may be in a tilted configuration in a first direction. By displacing the platform on which the centre wire unit and the first linear rail is positioned on, along the second linear rail, which defines a Z-axis, the object may be in a tilted configuration in a second and third direction.
[0030] In an embodiment, the second linear rail is arranged on a face and the two or three end wire manipulator units are pivotally connected to said face. The face may be vertically displaceable.
[0031] In an aspect of the invention, the centre wire unit may comprise a wire drum and a wire drum motor for operating the wire drum to control change a length of the two or three wires from the wire drum to the wire ends. Thus, as the wire drum motor rotates the wire drum, the wirelength is either shortened or elongated causing a vertical displacement of the object.
[0032] The two or three wires may be wound around the wire drum, wherein rotation of the wire drum causes a change in the wirelength of the two or three wires and thus the wirelength from the end wire manipulator units to the object. The rotation of the wire drum will not change the orientation of the object, however only the vertical position of the object.
[0033] The wire drum may be a pile wind winch or pull drum, or a grooved drum winch comprising two or three grooves. The grooved drum winch may comprise a plurality of thread-like helix grooves.
[0035] In an aspect of the invention, the centre wire unit may be a double or triple pulley as a function of the two or three wires, and the winch assembly comprises a wire drum and a wire drum motor for operating the wire drum, wherein the wire drum and a wire drum motor are stationary, and wherein the two or three wires extend from the wire drum.
[0036] An advantage of the wire drum and wire drum motor being stationary is that it minimizes the required load capacity of the first and/or second linear rail. Furthermore, the displacement means may also need a smaller force to create displacement of the centre wire unit along the first and/or second linear rail.
[0037] Furthermore, the winch assembly becomes more mechanical stable as less mass has to be displaced compared to the embodiments, where the wire drum is displaced. The displacement of the wire drum may in some situations cause the winch assembly to wobble or shake.
[0038] In an embodiment, the winch assembly may further comprise at least one intermediate wire manipulator unit between the wire drum and the centre wire unit, where the at least one intermediate wire manipulator unit being adapted for changing the direction of the one or more of the two or three wires such that the wires are taut.
[0039] In an aspect of the invention, the winch assembly may further comprise a controller for controlling the winch assembly as a function of stored instructions and/or instructions received wired or wirelessly.
[0040] As the winch assembly may be part of a winch assembly system comprising a multitude of winch assemblies, the controller for controlling the winch assembly may be connected to a global controller for controlling an entire winch assembly system.
[0041] The controller may be adapted for changing a state of the winch assembly as shown in figure 6.
[0042] In an embodiment, the controller may be a global controller for controlling an entire winch assembly system.
[0044] In an aspect of the invention, one or more of the two or three wires may comprise a power cord for providing power to an object. Thus, the power cord may be configured for allowing the object to be tilted in multiple directions and be vertically displaced, without compromising the supply of power to the object.
[0045] In an embodiment, the power cord is an additional non-load carrying wire configured for connecting the object to a power supply.
[0046] In an aspect of the invention, one or more of the two or three wires may comprise a control cord for sending instructions to an object. Thereby, the control cord can send instructions to the object to control a display, or a screen, or light, or for causing elements of the object to move as a function of the instructions.
[0047] In an embodiment, the control cord is an additional non-load carrying wire configured for sending instructions from the controller to the object.
[0048] In an aspect of the invention, the first displacement means may comprise a first tooth rack extending along the first linear rail and a first gear engaging the first tooth rack and a first displacement motor for operating the first gear.
[0049] The centre wire unit may comprise slide means configured for being in sliding communication with the first linear rail.
[0050] The first displacement motor actuates the first gear by causing rotation of a tooth engaging mean comprised in the first gear. The tooth engaging mean engages the first tooth rack causing displacement along the first tooth rack substantially parallel to the first linear rail.
[0051] The first gear and the first displacement motor may be arranged on a connector connected to the centre wire unit and thus connecting the first tooth rack and the first linear rail.
[0052] In an embodiment, the centre wire unit may comprise a flange on which the first gear and the first displacement motor are arranged, thus connecting the first tooth rack and the first linear rail.
[0054] In an aspect of the invention, the second displacement means may comprise a second tooth rack extending along the second linear rail and a second gear engaging the second tooth rack and a second displacement motor for operating the second gear.
[0055] The second linear rail may comprise two substantially parallel second linear rails and wherein a platform is slidably connected to the two substantially parallel second linear rails and wherein the first linear rail and first displacement member is arranged on said platform.
[0056] The centre wire unit may comprise slide means configured for being in sliding communication with the first linear rail arranged on the platform and wherein the platform is slidably connected to the second linear rail.
[0057] The second displacement motor actuates the second gear by causing rotation of a tooth engaging means comprised in the second gear. The tooth engaging means engages the second tooth rack causing the platform to be displaced along the second tooth rack substantially parallel to the second linear rail.
[0058] The second gear and second displacement motor may be arranged on the platform, thus connecting the centre wire unit placed on the platform with the two substantially parallel second linear rails and the second tooth rack.
[0059] In an embodiment, the second gear and the second displacement motor may be arranged on a connector connected to the centre wire unit and thus connecting the second tooth rack and the second linear rail.
[0060] In another embodiment, the centre wire unit may comprise a flange on which the second gear and the second displacement motor are arranged, thus connecting the second tooth rack and the second linear rail.
[0062] In an aspect of the invention, the first displacement means may comprise a tooth belt, timing belt, or acme thread extending along the first linear rail and a first gear engaging the tooth belt, timing belt, or acme thread and a first displacement motor for operating the first gear; and/or
- the second displacement means may comprise a tooth belt, timing belt, or acme thread extending along the first linear rail and a first gear engaging the tooth belt, timing belt, or acme thread and a first displacement motor for operating the first gear.
[0063] The tooth belt, timing belt, or acme thread and the actuator may comprise complementary shapes to enable the actuator to drive the tooth belt, timing belt, or acme thread and thereby causing displacement of the centre wire unit along the first and/or second linear rail.
[0064] In an aspect of the invention, the two or three wires may be connected to an object at two or three different connection points.
[0065] Each of the two or three wires may comprise a connector such as a ferrule-secured loop, an open or closed socket. The object may comprise complementary shaped connectors configured for being engaged by the connectors on the wires.
[0066] In an aspect of the invention, the first linear rail and the second linear rail may be substantially perpendicular. Thus, achieving a great level of control when changing the orientation of the object with minimal displacement along the first and second linear rails.
[0067] An object of the invention is achieved by a method for changing an orientation of an object suspended from a winch assembly as previously described in the invention. The method comprises steps of
- displacing the centre wire unit along the first linear rail and/or the second linear rail to change the orientation of the object; and optionally
- operating a wire drum to change the vertical position of the object.
[0069] In an aspect of the invention, the method may comprise steps of sending instructions to the object causing the object to perform actions as a function of the instructions.
[0070] The object may be a screen or screen performing actions such as showing predetermined content of a screen or display.
[0071] The object may be an object with moveable mechanical parts which will move as a function of the instructions.
[0072] An object of the invention is achieved by a kit for forming a winch assembly. The kit comprises
- a centre wire unit;
- a first linear rail, wherein the centre wire unit is displaceably connected to the first linear rail, and first displacement means for displacing the centre wire unit along the first linear rail;
- two or three wires adapted for extending from the centre wire unit to an object; and optionally
- two or three end wire manipulator units.
[0073] A user can assemble the winch assembly from the kit. The end wire manipulator units may be pulleys, which are readily available in most theaters or in productions in the entertainment industry, and thus the wire manipulator units do not need to form part of the kit.
[0074] The kit may further comprise the components described earlier for the various different embodiments of the winch assembly.
Description of the Drawing
[0075] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the figures, whereon:
Fig. 1 illustrates a winch assembly for changing the orientation of an object using two points.
Fig. 2 illustrates a winch assembly for changing the orientation of an object using three points
Fig. 3 illustrates a winch assembly with a stationary wire drum for changing the orientation of an object using two points
Fig. 4 illustrates a winch assembly with a stationary wire drum for changing the orientation of an object using three points
Fig. 5 illustrates two different types of wire drums;
Fig. 6 illustrates different states of the winch assembly; and
Fig. 7 illustrates a method of changing the orientation of an object as a function of instructions received from the controller.
Detailed Description of the Invention
| Item | No |
| winch assembly | 10 |
| centre wire unit | 20 |
| wire drum | 21 |
| wire drum motor | 22 |
| end wire manipulator unit | 30A, 30B, 30C |
| wire manipulator unit | 31 |
| wires | 40A, 40B, 40C |
| wire ends | 41 |
| obj ect | 50 |
| first linear rail | 60 |
| first displacement means | 61 |
| first tooth rack | 62 |
| first gear | 63 |
| first displacement motor | 64 |
| second linear rail | 70 |
| second displacement means | 71 |
| second tooth rack | 72 |
| second gear | 73 |
| second displacement motor | 74 |
| platform | 80 |
| method | 100 |
| displacing | 110 |
| operating | 120 |
| sending | 130 |
[0076] Figures 1 to 4 illustrates a winch assembly 10 for changing the orientation of an object according to the invention.
[0077] The winch assembly 10 comprises a centre wire unit 20, two or three end wire manipulator units 30A, 30B, 30C, two or three wires 40A, 40B, 40C, and a first linear rail 60. The two or three wires 40A, 40B, 40C, comprise wire ends 41 for connecting with an object in a way that allows the object to be replaced or removed for maintenance. Each of the two or three wires 40A, 40B, 40C defines a wire path from the wire drum 21 to the wire ends 40 configured for connecting to an object 50, wherein end wire manipulator units 30A, 30B, 30C, and/or wire manipulator units 31, and/or a double or triple wire manipulator unit, cause the two or three wires 40A, 40B, 40C to change direction along the individual wire paths.
[0078] The centre wire unit 20 is displaceably connected to the first linear rail 60 where first displacement means 61 comprising a first tooth rack 62 extending along the first linear rail 60, a first gear 63 for engaging the first tooth rack 62, and a first displacement motor 64 for operating the first gear 63.
[0079] In figure 1A, the object 50 comprises two different connection points for engaging the wire ends 41 of two wires 40A, 40B in the winch assembly 10. Thereby, the orientation of the object is changed by displacement in two points. The centre wire unit 20 is positioned, on the first linear rail 60, in a position where the object 50 is substantially horizontal. As the centre wire unit 20 is displaced along the first linear rail 60, the length of one of the two wires 40A, 40B, from the respective end wire manipulator unit 30A, 30B to the wire ends 41 connected to the object 50, is increased while the other is decreased. The displacement of the centre wire unit 20 along the first linear rail 60 causes the object 50 to tilt as illustrated in figures 1A and 1B. The length of the wires in relation to one another and the length of the first linear rail determine how steep the tilt is and determines the number of possible tilt configurations the object may have:
- 1-tilt configuration: only one side of the object 50 is tiltable.
- 2-tilt configurations: the object 50 may be in a horizontal configuration or in a one-side tilted configuration.
- 3-tilt configurations: the object 50 may be in a horizontal configuration, in a left-tilt configuration, or in a right-tilt configuration.
[0080] The centre wire unit 20 comprising a wire drum and wire drum motor determines the length of the two wires 40A, 40B and enables the object 50 to be vertically displaced.
[0081] Figure 2 illustrates a winch assembly 10 wherein the first linear rail 60 and the first displacement means 61 are placed on a platform 80 displaceably connected to two second linear rails 70. The two second linear rails 70 are positioned parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the first linear rail 60.
[0082] The centre wire unit 20 comprising a wire drum 21 and wire drum motor 22 determines the length of the three wires 40A, 40B, 40C and enables the object 50 to be vertically displaced.
[0083] The centre wire unit 20 is displaceable connected to the first linear rail 60 and the second linear rail 70, thus enabling the centre wire unit 20 to be displaceable in two directions, along both the first and second linear rail 60, 70. The second linear rail 70, comprising two second linear rails 70, further comprise second displacement means 71 comprising a second tooth rack 72 extending along the second linear rail 70, a second gear 73 for engaging the second tooth rack 72, and a second displacement motor 74 for operating the second gear 73.
[0084] An object configured for being suspended from the winch assembly 10 may comprise three different connection points for engaging the wire ends 41 of the three wires 40A, 40B, 40C in the winch assembly 10. When the centre unit 20 is displaced along the first and second linear rail 60, 70, the length of each of the three wires 40A, 40B, 40C from the corresponding end wire manipulator unit 30A, 30B, 30C to the wire end 41 is increased, decreased, or the same. Thereby, the orientation of the object is changed by displacement in three points as well as the vertical position defined by the centre wire unit.
[0085] Adding the second linear rail 70 and by having three end wire manipulator units 30A, 30B, 30C and three wires 40A, 40B, 40C gives a great freedom and control of the orientation of the object and the changeability of the said orientation.
[0086] The winch assembly 10 may be arranged on a substantially horizontal face, wherein the three wires 40A, 40B, 40C, from the end wire manipulator units 30A, 30B, 30C to wire ends 41, are substantially vertically aligned as shown in figure 2B.
[0087] Each of the three end wire manipulator units 30A, 30B, 30C is pivotable connected to a guide rail extending vertically from the face. As the centre wire unit 20 is displaced along the first and/or second linear rail, the wire receiving end of the three end wire manipulator units 30A, 30B, 30C may be orientated towards the centre wire unit 20.
[0088] Figures 3 and 4 illustrates a winch assembly 10 wherein the wire drum 21 and the wire drum motor 22 are stationary and wherein the centre wire unit 20 is a double or triple wire manipulator unit. By having a stationary wire drum 21 and wire drum motor 22 the first and/or second linear rail 60, 70 may have a smaller required load capacity.
[0089] Figure 3 discloses a winch assembly 10 with a stationary wire drum 21 and wire drum motor 22 for changing the orientation of an object 50 using two points. The winch assembly 10 further comprises a stationary wire manipulator unit 31 for changing the direction of the wire 40B. The centre wire unit 20, which is a double wire manipulator unit, and the two end wire manipulator units 30A, 30B change the direction of the two wires 40A, 40B, thus each of the two wires 40A, 40B have multiple directional changes along their respective wire paths.
[0090] The centre wire unit 20 being a double wire manipulator unit is arranged, on the first linear rail 60, in a position where the object 50 is substantially horizontal, shown in figure 3A. The wire drum 21 and wire drum motor 22 are stationary and placed above the first linear rail 60, the centre wire unit 20, and the two end wire manipulator units 30A, 30B.
[0091] As the centre wire unit 20 is displaced along the first linear rail 60, the length of one of the two wires 40A, 40B, from the respective end wire manipulator unit 30A, 30B to the wire end 41 connected to the object 50, is increased while the other is decreased. The displacement of the centre wire unit 20 along the first linear rail 60 causes the object 50 to tilt as illustrated in figures 3A and 3B.
[0092] Figure 4 discloses a winch assembly 10 with a stationary wire drum 21 and wire drum motor 22 for changing the orientation of an object 50 using three points. Four stationary wire manipulator units 31 change the direction of the three wires 40A, 40B, 40C. The centre wire unit 20, which is a triple wire manipulator unit, and the three end wire manipulator units 30A, 30B, 30C change the direction of the three wires 40A, 40B, 40C, thus each of the three wires 40A, 40B, 40C have multiple directional changes along their respective wire paths.
[0093] The centre wire unit 20, which is a triple pulley, is displaceably connected to the first linear rail 60 and the second linear rail 70, thus enabling the centre wire unit 20 to be displaceable in two directions, along both the first and second linear rail 60, 70. The second linear rail 70, being two substantially parallel second linear rails 70, further comprises second displacement means 71 comprising a second tooth rack 72 extending along the second linear rail 70, a second gear 73 for engaging the second tooth rack 72, and a second displacement motor 74 for operating the second gear 73.
[0094] Each of the three end wire manipulator units 30A, 30B, 30C is pivotably connected to a guide rail extending vertically from the face. As the centre wire unit 20 is displaced along the first and/or second linear rail, the wire receiving end of the three end wire manipulator units 30A, 30B, 30C may be orientated towards the centre wire unit 20.
[0095] Figure 5 illustrates two embodiments of a wire drum 21 according to the invention, however, the wire drum 21 may be any type of wire drum 21.
[0096] The grooved drum winch, as illustrated in figure 5A, comprises three wires 40A, 40B, 40C wherein each of said three wires is arranged in thread-like helix grooves.
[0097] Figure 5B illustrates a pile wind winch or pull drum, wherein each of the three wires 40A, 40B, 40C is placed in a single groove forming a linear spiral.
[0099] A winch assembly 10 for changing the orientation of an object 50 by the attachment of wire ends 41 from two wires 40A, 40B may be defined by displacement along an X-axis, being the first linear rail, and a Y-axis, being the vertical displacement defined by rotation of the wire drum 21.
[0100] A winch assembly 10 for changing the orientation of an object 50 by the attachment of wire ends 41 from three wires 40A, 40B, 40C may be defined by displacement along an X-axis, being the first linear rail 60, a Z-axis, being the second linear rail 70, and a Y-axis, being the vertical displacement defined by rotation of the wire drum 21.
[0101] The states 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, may be defined by displacement along the X-axis and the Y-axis, while states 1000', 2000', 3000', 4000', may be defined by displacement along all three axes.
[0102] State 1000 is defined by no activation of the first displacement means 61 and/or second displacement means 71 and/or the wire drum motor 22. State 2000 is displacement along the X-axis defined by the first linear rail 60. State 3000 is displacement along the Z-axis defined by the second linear rail 70. State 4000 is displacement along both the X-axis and the Z-axis, thus causing displacement along the first linear rail 60 and the second linear rail 70.
[0103] States 1000', 2000', 3000', 4000' are all defined by displacement along the Y-axis. State 1000' is displacement along the Y-axis defined by rotation of the wire drum 21. State 2000' is displacement along the Y-axis and the X-axis defined by the first linear rail 60. State 3000' is displacement along the Y-axis and the Z-axis defined by the second linear rail 70. State 4000' is displacement along the first linear rail 60, the second linear rail 70, and rotation of the wire drum 21.
[0104] It is possible to change the orientation of an object 50 from any state to any state within the same system as defined by the number of axes. In a system defined by changing the orientation of an object 50 attached by wire ends 41 from two wires 40A, 40B the orientation may be changed from one state to another state without vertical displacement defined by rotation of the wire drum 21, for example from state 2000 to state 4000.
[0105] In a system defined by changing the orientation and/or the vertical position of an object 50 attached by wire ends 41 from three wires 40A, 40B, 40C the orientation and/or vertical position may be changed from one state to any other state, for example from state 2000 to state 4000'.
[0106] The method 100 for changing the orientation of an object 50 suspended from a winch assembly 10 according to the invention, is disclosed in figure 7. The method comprises steps of
- displacing 110 the centre wire unit 20 along the first linear rail 60 and/or the second linear rail 70 to change the orientation of the object 50; and optionally
- operating 120 a wire drum 21 to change the vertical position of the object 50.
1. A winch assembly (10) for changing an orientation of an object (50), the winch assembly
(10) comprises
- a centre wire unit (20);
- two or three end wire manipulator units (30A, 30B, 30C);
- two or three wires (40A, 40B, 40C) extending from the centre wire unit (20) to two or three end wire manipulator units (30A, 30B, 30C), wherein the two or three wires (40A, 40B, 40C) comprise wire ends (41) configured for connecting to an object (50);
- a first linear rail (60), wherein the centre wire unit (20) is displaceable connected to the first linear rail (60), and first displacement means (61) for displacing the centre wire unit (20) along the first linear rail (60), such that a wirelength from the two or three end wire manipulator units (30A, 30B, 30C) to an object can be synchronously changed by displacement of the centre wire unit (20).
2. A winch assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the winch assembly (10) further
comprises
- a second linear rail (70) and a platform (80) displaceable connected to the second linear rail (70), and second displacement means (71) for the platform (80), wherein the first linear rail (60) and centre wire unit (20) are positioned on the platform (80).
3. A winch assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the centre wire unit (20)
comprises a wire drum (21) and a wire drum motor (22) for operating the wire drum
(21) to control a change of length of the two or three wires from the wire drum (21)
to the wire ends (41).
4. A winch assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the centre wire unit (20)
being a double or triple pulley as a function of the two or three wires, and the winch
assembly (10) comprises a wire drum (21) and a wire drum motor (22) for operating
the wire drum (21), and wherein the wire drum (21) and a wire drum motor (22) are
stationary, and wherein the two or three wires (40A, 40B, 40C) extend from the wire
drum.
5. A winch assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the winch assembly
(10) further comprises a controller for controlling the winch assembly (10) as a function
of stored instructions and/or instructions received wired or wirelessly.
6. A winch assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one or more of
the two or three wires comprise a power cord for providing power to an object.
7. A winch assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or more of
the two or three wires comprise a control cord for sending instructions to an object.
8. A winch assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first displacement
means (61) comprises a first tooth rack (62) extending along the first linear rail
(60) and a first gear (63) engaging the first tooth rack (62) and a first displacement
motor (64) for operating the first gear (63).
9. A winch assembly (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the second displacement
means (71) comprises a second tooth rack (72) extending along the second linear rail
(70) and a second gear (73) engaging the second tooth rack (72) and a second displacement
motor (74) for operating the second gear (73).
10. A winch assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein
- the first displacement means (61) comprises a tooth belt, timing belt, or acme thread extending along the first linear rail (60) and a first gear (63) engaging the tooth belt, timing belt, or acme thread and a first displacement motor (64) for operating the first gear (63); and/or
- the second displacement means (71) comprises a tooth belt, timing belt, or acme thread extending along the first linear rail (70) and a first gear (73) engaging the tooth belt, timing belt, or acme thread and a first displacement motor (74) for operating the first gear (73).
11. A winch assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the two or three
wires are connected to an object at two or three different connection points.
12. A winch assembly (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the first linear
rail (60) and the second linear rail (70) are substantially perpendicular.
13. A method (100) for changing an orientation of an object (50) suspended from a winch
assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the method comprises
steps of
- displacing (110) the centre wire unit (20) along the first linear rail (60) and/or the second linear rail (70) to change the orientation of the object (50); and optionally
- operating (120) a wire drum (21) to change the vertical position of the object.
14. A method (100) for changing an orientation of an object suspended from a winch assembly
according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the method comprises steps of sending
(130) an instructions to the object (50) causing the object to perform actions as
a function of the instructions.
15. A kit for forming winch assembly (10), the kit comprises
- a centre wire unit (20);
- a first linear rail (60), wherein the centre wire unit (20) is displaceable connected to the first linear rail (60), and first displacement means (61) for displacing the centre wire unit (20) along the first linear rail (60);
- two or three wires (40A, 40B, 40C) adapted for extending from the centre wire unit (20) to an object (50); and optionally
- two or three end wire manipulator units (30A, 30B, 30C).