Finding components for prototype

I'd search sailing suppliers

You might find something like that on a catamaran sail boat

How fast does it need to winch?

You're right. The oldest source.

Things need to be sturdy/safe and wind up being too heavy/bulky for my needs.

As slow as a meter/minute.

Thanks.

I take it that it's manual, look for unconventional means. Do not look directly for winches, look at things that winches may be used.

could be a toy, or recreational uses, winching a basketball backboard up, or construction, something along thoughs lines.

Good luck

Manual yes. Done that to no avail (tennis nets, portable antenna, science projects, scaffolding, et al).

Main block is they wind up being too large/heavy being intended for permanent mount.

Your direction parallels mine and shows my searching techniques are normal.

Thanks,

You ever think that your restrictions in size and weight may make it infeasible from a manufacturer to want to impose that kind of liability on themselves. That why the one you did find was rated for 9 Lbs.

Interesting thing about the prototypes, depending on its complexity or simplicity.

To make a prototype is to prove out function. Safety may not always be in the forefront, Even though it should have some type of bearing in mind.

And your right, no manufacturer would take on the liability of its product if being applied beyond its limits.

Yes. That's why I said: "I'm hoping the lack I've run into is simply that a tiny winch is not commercially viable."

But the world is a very large place. I find it hard to believe some other industry doesn't commonly use a tiny, portable, light weight lifting device.

Thanks,

Your post wasn't exactly clear as to what you need, or just how it will be used, and whether the way you wish to use it is in itself economically viable. I do however have the ability to provide a very compact winch that will fulfill the mechanical requirements, and I believe within the size and power limits you state. Please leave another post with a means to contact you as I do not wish to attempt to conduct business on a public forum. Piolho

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=%22rope+ascender%22&btnG=Search&meta=

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=%22climbing+winch%22&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

Those are some really cool links, concepts and devices.

Thanks.

Nothing that solves the problem though. Ascenders are basically gripping devices to pause during man powered lift cycles. Climbing winches refer more to electric powered vehicle climbs or block and tackle carried aloft to lower tree tops. Parallel problem sets but not exactly 'Tiny, portable, winch' (portable force advantage).

The ascender, as a gripping device, has promise though.

Thanks.

TinyWinch@Software-Custom.com

Mythbusters just ran a 'Superheroes' episode on Discovery. One of the items they 'tested' was the winch yourself up a wall pocket tool.

One of the guys lifted himself about 20' using adevice that fits your criteria perfectly.

Sorry I can't offer you more.

cr3

Was that the same as this link? The MIT student device mentioned a couple replies up?

MIT Student Invents Hand-Held, Wall-Climbing Winch

If so, this is way too big for my purposes.

Although the reason their device is so large is that it is batter powered.

For my purposes man power is adequate so this might be a route.

Unfortunately, to be commercially viable, I also need the cost down in the $5.00 range.

Jim

Negative.

About, almost exactly, the size of a fishing reel. He bought the motor off the shelf. The thing was really small and easily, EASILY, lifted a 200 pound man 15 or so feet.

Mythbusters. Superhero gadgets. Wall climbing. I'd Google it myself but I'm too tired right now.

I've spent about an hour googling with no joy :(

Mention of the 'Wall climbing thingy' and the super hero special on discover and mythbusters-wiki (http://mythbusters-wiki.discovery.com/page/Samurai+Swing) but no pictures nor details. The only thing I've found is the MIT student device which without its power supply might fit your size description but certainly can't be 'bought off the shelf'.

Nor is it reasonable that he could buy a fishing real size object (4x4?) that can lift a 200 lb man 15 or so feet especially without adding power size to the mix.

I've allowed myself to be pulled off topic from "finding components for prototype' to the more interesting 'tiny winch' superhero utility belt thingy.

Jim.

Sorry that I cant be of more help right now. I will put some of my time into it soon though. In the meanwhile maybe you could find a copy of that episode.

A good part of the time I spent was looking for that episode to no avail.

Jim,

Sounds like an Erector set to me. Might be time to roll your own.

My conclusion too, so far.

So... I've taken a 3/8 inch bolt 3 inches long, stuck it through 1/8 thick structural aluminum to form the sides of the winch and crank it with a 3/8 inch drive ratchet. To keep it from dropping back I bolt another ratchet on the other end of the bolt (lock end) and set it in the reverse direction so it is free when the drive ratchet is lifting but holds the weight when the drive ratchet is 'taking another breath'.

It works and a 3/8 inch bolt gives a pretty good lever advantage to start with which decreases the more rope winds onto the reel.

Ok for a prototype but simple to fabricate if I can't find a finished product.

Jim

How does one locate and contact component suppliers during prototype construction

In conjuction with www or so you have to look out for indijuals , small manufacturers ,distributers ,fabricating industry around you that are related to your application , they may help you out to locate the source effectively because they are already (or may be) doing so , i sometimes find it easier to search through yellow pages , magzines rather than internet ( if i have to go from scratch)

Yes, I suppose I really should confront the real world. I do rely too much on cyberspace.

I don't see much of anything in the local yellow pages but, since I'm in LA CA I can easily broaden my net.

Thanks.