Patent Abstract:
The present invention relates to a user interface for a portable power driven system, specifically in relation to an integrated user interface for controlling such an arrangement, and being applicable for example in relation to an ascender/descender arrangement. The invention also relates to a corresponding method and computer program product for operating such a portable power driven system.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a user interface for a portable power driven system, specifically in relation to an integrated user interface for controlling such an system, and being applicable for example in relation to an ascender/descender arrangement. The invention also relates to a corresponding method and computer program product for operating such a portable power driven system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Powered personal lifting devices assist personnel in scaling vertical surfaces. Motorized winches are used to raise or lower personnel on platforms or harnesses attached to ropes. A winch must be anchored to a solid platform above the load or use pulleys coupled to the platform to hoist the load. Further, a winch winds the rope or cable on a spool which limits the length and weight of rope that can be used. Hoists, usually with compound pulleys or reducing gears are used to raise or lower individuals or platforms and must be suspended from a secure support point such as a tripod, beam or bridge crane. Typically a winch or hoist requires at least a second person to operate or control the device in order for a first person to safely ascend a rope. 
     There are however many examples of where it would be desirable to have access to a portable winch, preferable for a portable winch that can be operated by the person ascending or descending the rope. Such scenarios include for example mountain climbing, caving, tree trimming, rescue operations and military operations. Industrial uses of a climbing device may include scaling tall structures, towers, poles, mine shafts or bridge works for servicing, cleaning, window washing, painting, etc. 
     An example of such a portable winch is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,602. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,602 there is provided a promising approach to a portable climber operated winch, denoted as a climbing device, comprising a rotatable rope pulley connected to a motor, such as for example an internal combustion motor or an electric battery powered motor. During operation of the climbing device a rope is introduced in the rope pulley, and once the motor is engaged and starts to rotate, the rope pulley may advance the climber in a typically vertical direction along the rope. 
     Even though the above mentioned prior art shows a very useful solution for rope access to heights, there is always an endeavor to introduce further improvements for the personnel utilizing the equipment. Specifically, there is a desire to minimize any risks when working at heights, thereby improving the environment for the user of such equipment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the invention, the above is at least partly alleviated by a portable power driven system for advancing a rope, the rope extending in a first main direction, the power driven system comprising an electrical motor, the electrical motor comprising a drive shaft, a rechargeable battery electrically connected to and configured for powering the electrical motor, a rope grab configured to receive the rope, the rope grab connected to the drive shaft of the electrical motor for rotation of the rope grab, a user interface configured for allowing a user to control the speed and direction for advancing the rope, and a main body for mounting the electrical motor, the battery, the rope grab and the user interface, the main body further comprising an anchoring point adapted to receive an anchoring force, the anchoring force extending in a second direction being essentially opposite to the first main direction, wherein the user interface comprises a rotatable handle configured to be rotated in a first and a second rotational direction, the handle having a neutral position, a first end position in the first rotational direction and a second end position in the second rotational direction, and wherein rotation of the handle in the first direction between the neutral position and the first end position generates a rotation of the rope grab in a first direction, and rotation of the handle in the second direction between the neutral position and the second end position generates a rotation of the rope grab in a second direction. 
     The invention is based on the understanding that the operation of the portable power driven system may be simplified in comparison to prior art devices by allowing a combined functionality of the user interface, provided in one single rotatable handle. The handle may accordingly be operated using a single hand of the user, making it possible for the user to at all times keep his hand at the handle and thus making it possible to rapidly change the direction in which the user is advancing the rope. Such a possibility may be specifically useful in relation to a military application where for example the user is approaching a possible enemy. In case of increased danger, the user may directly, without having to move his hand for operating a complex user interface, just switch rotational direction of the handle to rapidly move away form the possible danger and into safety. 
     As mentioned above, the motor is connected to the rope grab using the drive shaft. The expression “drive shaft” may include any mechanical implementation for transferring a rotational force from the motor to the rope grab. As such, the drive shaft may for example further include a gearbox or similar for adapting the rotational force to suit the rotational speed of the rope grab. 
     The term rope is here used in its broader sense and is intended to include ropes, wires and cords of whatever nature or size suitable for engaging with the rope grab. The robe grab may in one embodiment comprise a roller (may as be referred to as a rope pulley) formed to at least partly pinch the rope by means of a concave form such as a v- or u-shaped rope engaging face, the rope engaging face formed at the “inside” of the roller for receiving the rope. The inside of the roller may additionally comprise a plurality of ridges for further increasing the friction between the rope and the roller. 
     In addition, the portable system may further comprise wireless reception means configuring the system to be controlled from a distance using for example a remote control, thus allowing for example a second operator to control the portable power driven system from a distance. 
     The functionality of the handle may be designed in such a way that the rotational speed of the rope grab is based on the rotational angle of the handle. That is, in case a user is making an in comparison large rotation of the handle the rotational speed of the rope grab will in comparison be high. However, it may also be possible to further base the rotational speed of the rope grab on a predetermined correlation function. The predetermined correlation function may in one embodiment be non-linear. Such an implementation will be further discussed in relation to the detailed description of the invention. 
     Preferably, the neutral position is essentially centrally arranged in relation to the first and the second end position. However, as an alternative the neutral position may be arranged non-central in relation to the first and the second end position, all depending on the implementation desired by the operator of the portable power driven system. 
     In an embodiment of the invention there is further provided an elongated safety sling connected to the anchoring point, the safety sling arranged to receive at least one of a maillon, a carabiner, or a rigging plate. The sling may for example be of a textile material. The elongated sling is preferably at one of its ends connected to the anchoring point and configured to at its other end receive at least one of a maillon, a carabiner, or a rigging plate. The at least one of a maillon, a carabiner, or a rigging plate may then in turn be used for allowing connection of the portable system to e.g. a harness for a user, or for anchoring the system to a fixed structure using e.g. further climbing/fining equipment. The general term “elongated sling” is typically referred to as in relation to general climbing equipment. In addition, the term “textile” should be interpreted very broadly. For example, the textile material used for forming the sling may be of any type of e.g. woven or non-woven material, natural and/or synthetic fibers, etc. 
     During operation of the portable power driven system, the user is typically securely connected to the above discussed anchoring point, e.g. by means of the sling and carabiner. Accordingly, the handle of the user interface is preferably positioned at the main body of the portable power driven system within an arms length of a user, thus allowing easy operation. Preferably, the handle of the user interface is such positioned that it allows the user to control the handle between the first and the second end position when operated by a single hand of the user. 
     Preferably, the portable power driven system further comprises a hinged safety arrangement comprising a safety lid configured to be arranged in a closed state to cover the rope grab during operation of the power driven system, and to be arranged in an opened state for allowing introduction of the rope to the robe grab. Such a safety arrangement minimizes any risks of the user introducing e.g. a hand or similar, efficiently increasing the operational safety of the system. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for operation of a portable power driven system for advancing a rope, the rope extending in a first main direction, the power driven system comprising an electrical motor, the electrical motor comprising a drive shaft, a rechargeable battery electrically connected to and configured for powering the electrical motor, a rope grab configured to receive the rope, the rope grab connected to the drive shaft of the electrical motor for rotation of the rope grab, a user interface configured for allowing a user to control the speed and direction for advancing the rope, the user interface comprises a rotatable handle configured to be rotated in a first and a second rotational direction, the handle having a neutral position, a first end position in the first rotational direction and a second end position in the second rotational direction, and a main body for mounting the electrical motor, the battery, the rope grab and the user interface, the main body further comprising an anchoring point adapted to receive an anchoring force, the anchoring force extending in a second direction being essentially opposite to the first main direction, wherein the method comprises rotating the handle in the first direction between the neutral position and the first end position to control rotation of the rope grab in a first direction, and rotating the handle in the second direction between the neutral position and the second end position control rotation of the rope grab in a second direction. This aspect provides similar advantages as discussed in relation to the previous aspect of the invention. 
     According to a still further aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having stored thereon computer program means for controlling a portable power driven system configured for advancing a rope, wherein the computer program product comprises code for performing the steps as discussed above in relation to the previous aspect of the invention. Also this aspect provides similar advantages as discussed in relation to the previous aspects of the invention. 
     The computer program product is typically executed using a control unit, preferably including a micro processor or any other type of computing device. Similarly, a software executed by the control unit for operating the inventive portable power driven system may be stored on a computer readable medium, being any type of memory device, including one of a removable nonvolatile random access memory, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a USB memory, an SD memory card, or a similar computer readable medium known in the art. Accordingly, operation of the portable power driven system may be at least partly automated, implemented as e.g. software, hardware and a combination thereof. 
     Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled addressee realize that different features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a section of a portable power driven system according to the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a detailed partially exploded view of the power driven system; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a horizontal and a vertical operation of the power driven system, respectively; 
         FIG. 4A  shows detailed views of portions of the rotatable control handle of the power driven system, demonstrating rotation directions; and 
         FIG. 4B  shows a mechanical implementation of the control handle; and 
         FIG. 5  provides a diagram illustrating possible control curves implemented for controlling the power driven system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled addressee. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout. 
     Referring now to the drawings and to  FIGS. 1 and 2  in particular, there is depicted a portable power driven system  100  according to a possible embodiment of the invention. The power driven system  100  comprises a motor and a rope grab  202 , the motor and the rope grab  202  being connected to each other by means of for example a drive shaft (possibly also including a gearbox or similar). The motor is an electrical motor further comprising a rechargeable battery  204 , the rechargeable battery  204  possibly being removably attached to the system  100 . In the illustrated embodiment the motor and the drive shaft are enclosed in a main body  102  of the system  100 . The system  100  further comprises a hinged safety arrangement  104  for covering the rope grab  202 , the rope grab  202  being configured for receiving and advancing a rope  106  once the motor by means of the drive shaft rotates the rope grab  202 . Preferably, the portable power driven system  100  is configured to be waterproof. 
     The hinged safety arrangement  104  includes a safety lid  108  and a leaver portion  110 , together configured to engage with a hinge device connected to the main body  102 . The leaver portion  110  in turns includes an anchoring point, typically implemented with an elongated pin  206 , bolt or similar. In addition, for introducing an anchoring force to the system  100 , an elongated textile safety sling  112  is provided, the sling  112  being in one end connected to the elongated pin  206  and in the other end connected to for example a rigging plate  114 . Other alternative types of similar devices may be used instead of the rigging plate  114 , such as for example a maillon or a carabiner. The rigging plate  114  (or similar) may in turn allow a user to connect his/her safety harness (not shown) to the system  100  during its operation. 
     In addition, the portable system  100  further comprises a user interface, implemented by means of a rotatable handle  116 , for controlling the direction and rotational speed of the motor. Furthermore, the safety arrangement  104  may additionally comprise a locking/unlocking mechanism  118  for opening/closing the safety arrangement  104 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , which illustrates the exemplary horizontal and vertical operation, respectively, of the power driven system  100 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 a   , the system  100  is arranged as a standalone winch mode, i.e. instead of the user connecting his/her safety harness directly to the elongated pin  206  (the anchoring point) and using the system  100  to ascend/descend along the rope  106 , the system  100  is in this mode connected to a fixed structure  302  such as a wall or similarly available object at the operational site. 
     In the illustrated example, the rope  106  is configured to pass over e.g. a roller  304  for the purpose of allowing a user  306  to be transporter in a vertical manner without having to himself control the system  100 . The system may instead (or also) be controlled by an operator  308  using the user interface  116 , the operator  308  typically situated adjacently to the system  100 . It may however be possible to configure the system  100  to additionally comprise means to be controlled from a distance, for example by means of a remote control (wired or wireless, not shown). Preferably, the control is wireless and in such an implementation the system  100  comprises wireless connection means to communicate wirelessly with the remote control. 
     In  FIG. 3B , the typical vertical operation scenario for the power driven system  100  is shown. In this scenario, the user  306  having a safety harness is typically connected to the sling  112  in turn connected to the elongated pin  206  of the hinged safety arrangement  104 . The rope  106  will in this case typically be arranged at a position  302 ′ above the user  306  (sometimes in relation to climbing denoted as “top rope”). In some possible scenarios of operation of the system  100 , the fixed tope rope position  302 ′ above the user  306  may be somewhat flexibly arranged, for example by means of a rope launcher, a pole or any type of tactical hooks.  FIG. 3B  explicitly illustrates a tactical marine access of a vessel  310  (e.g. a ship), where the user  306  accesses the vessel  310  from a sea level  312 . 
     In  FIGS. 4A and 4B  there are illustrated detailed views of portions of the rotatable control handle  116  of the power driven system. As shown in  FIG. 4A  and as discussed above, the rotatable handle  116  may be rotated in two directions, i.e. a first  402  and a second  404  rotational direction, typically starting from a neutral position  406 . The neutral position  406  may for example be arranged essentially centrally between a first end position  408  (i.e. maximum rotation in the first rotational direction  402 ) and a second end position  410  (i.e. maximum rotation in the second rotational direction  404 ). 
     During operation of the portable power driven system  100 , such as in the scenario shown in  FIG. 3B , the user  306  will operate the rotatable control handle  116  for ascending/descending between the anchoring point  302 ′ and the sea level  312 . Typically, rotating the rotatable control handle  116  in the first direction  402  will generate a rotation of the rope grab  202  in a first direction such that the user  306  will be ascending from the sea level  312  in a direction towards the anchoring point  302 ′ arranged at a height in relation to the sea level  312 . Conversely, rotating the rotatable control handle  116  in the second direction  404  will generate a rotation of the rope grab  202  in a second direction such that the user  306  will be descending from the anchoring point  302 ′ in a direction towards the sea level  312 . 
     The control functionality for achieving the multidirectional control handle  116  will typically be implemented using a combination of mechanical components and hardware/software for controlling the operation of the motor. The mechanical implementation of the control handle  116  is also shown in  FIG. 4B . Specifically, in one exemplary implementation of the control handle  116 , the control handle  116  will be spring loaded using a first  412  and a second spring  414 . The springs  412 / 414  will act on the handle  116  “forcing” the rotation of the handle  116  towards the neutral position  406  once operated by the user  302 ′. The control handle  116  typically also includes one or a plurality of position sensors  416  configured for identifying a current rotational angel of the handle  116 . 
     It may be possible to implement the functionality of forcing” the rotation of the handle  116  towards the neutral position  406 . As an alternative, it may be possible to arrange a torsion spring inside or adjacently to the handle  116 . Such an alternative implementation may be advantageous in case of limited space for mounting and or for adapting the control feel provided when operating the handle  116 . 
     Turning finally to  FIG. 5 , disclosing a diagram illustrating possible control curves implemented for controlling the power driven system  100 . As mentioned above, the control of the operation of the motor of the power driven system  100  may partly be implemented also using electronic hardware and/or software components, for example implemented using a control unit comprised with the power driven system  100 . Accordingly, such a possibility may for example allow for an adaptation of how the motor will respond to a rotation of the handle  116 . 
     The control unit is typically electrically connected to the position sensor  416 , and receives sensor data being indicative of a current rotational angle of the handle  116 . The sensor data from the position sensor  416  may be manipulated as desired, and in one possible embodiment the sensor data is only manipulated for removing possible transients from the position sensor  416 , i.e. allowing a linear control of the motor in relation to the rotational angle of the handle  116 . That is, there is provided a linear relation between the angle with which the handle  116  is rotated and the speed at which the motor rotates the rope grip  206 , as is indicated by the control curve  500  shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the relationship between the angle with which the handle  116  is rotated and the speed at which the motor rotates the rope grip  206  may be non-linear, taking into account a predetermined correlation function for the speed of rotation of the rope grab and the rotational angle of the handle. Specifically, there is a possibility to allow for a somewhat higher “resolution” when e.g. the rotational angel is below 50%, counting from the neutral position  406  to the first/second  402 / 404  end position as is indicated by the control curve  502  shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Conversely, in a further alternative embodiment, the situation may be the opposite, i.e. allowing for a somewhat higher “resolution” when e.g. the rotational angel is above 50%, counting from the neutral position  406  to the first/second  402 / 404  end position as is indicated by the control curve  504  shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Still further, it may be possible to allow for a combination of any of the above exemplified implementations, e.g. providing a linear relation when rotating the handle  116  in the first direction  402  and a non-linear relation when rotating the handle  116  in the second direction  404 . Additionally, the neutral position  406  may be positioned anywhere between the first  408  and the second  410  end positions, i.e. not necessarily centrally. 
     The selected correlation curve may also be implemented to handle any un-linearity relating to the above discussed mechanical components of the handle  116 , in combination with either a linear or a non-linear relation between the rotational angle of the handle  116 . The correlation curve may for example be implemented as a function depending on sensor data provided from the position sensor(s)  416 , or as a look up table for example stored in an electronic memory provided in relation to the control unit. 
     In summary, the present invention relates to a portable power driven system for advancing a rope, the rope extending in a first main direction, the power driven system comprising an electrical motor, the electrical motor comprising a drive shaft, a rechargeable battery electrically connected to and configured for powering the electrical motor, a rope grab configured to receive the rope, the rope grab connected to the drive shaft of the electrical motor for rotation of the rope grab, a user interface configured for allowing a user to control the speed and direction for advancing the rope, and a main body for mounting the electrical motor, the battery, the rope grab and the user interface, the main body further comprising an anchoring point adapted to receive an anchoring force, the anchoring force extending in a second direction being essentially opposite to the first main direction, wherein the user interface comprises a rotatable handle configured to be rotated in a first and a second rotational direction, the handle having a neutral position, a first end position in the first rotational direction and a second end position in the second rotational direction, and wherein rotation of the handle in the first direction between the neutral position and the first end position generates a rotation of the rope grab in a first direction, and rotation of the handle in the second direction between the neutral position and the second end position generates a rotation of the rope grab in a second direction. 
     The invention is based on the understanding that the operation of the portable power driven system may be simplified in comparison to prior art devices by allowing a combined functionality of the user interface, provided in one single handle. The handle may accordingly be operated using a single hand of the user, making it possible for the user to at all times keep his hand at the handle and thus making it possible to rapidly change the direction in which the user is advancing the rope. Such a possibility may be specifically useful in relation to a military application where for example the user is approaching a possible enemy. In case of increased danger, the user may directly, without having to move his hand for operating a complex user interface, just switch rotational direction of the handle to rapidly move away form the possible danger and into safety. 
     The present disclosure contemplates systems, methods and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions. 
     Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps. Additionally, even though the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled addressee in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Furthermore, in the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1