Anti-bowling system and method for tire crane
By installing a laser rangefinder and a central control module on the spreader, the distance between the spreader and the container can be monitored and analyzed in real time, and the spreader speed and warnings can be automatically controlled, thus solving the problem of spreader collision accidents and improving safety and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANDONG PORT GRP WEIFANG PORT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
In container terminal operations, spreaders are prone to swaying during lifting and trolley movement, making it difficult for operators to avoid collisions between the spreaders and adjacent containers, leading to accidents, economic losses, and safety threats.
A laser rangefinder is used as a distance sensor to monitor the distance between the spreader and the container in real time. The data is analyzed and processed by the central control module, and the collision risk is predicted by combining motion parameters. The spreader speed is automatically controlled and warning signals are issued to ensure safety.
It significantly reduces the accident rate, improves operational efficiency and equipment reliability, reduces economic losses and safety risks, and extends equipment lifespan.
Smart Images
Figure CN122035708A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of crane control technology, specifically to a tire crane anti-bowling system and method. Background Technology
[0002] In container terminal operations, rubber-tired gantry cranes are crucial loading and unloading equipment. However, during actual operation, the spreader sways during lifting and trolley movement. If operators misjudge the relative position of the spreader to surrounding containers, especially when moving the trolley when the lifting height is insufficient, it can easily cause the spreader to collide with and overturn adjacent containers, resulting in a "bowling" accident. This not only causes serious damage to the containers and their contents, leading to significant economic losses, but also poses a safety hazard, threatening the lives of on-site personnel, and severely impacting terminal efficiency and normal operations. Traditional manual operation relies on the operator's experience and attention, making it difficult to completely prevent such accidents. Therefore, developing an effective anti-bowling system is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tire-mounted anti-bowling system and method to overcome the problems existing in the existing equipment.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a tire-mounted crane anti-bowling system, comprising a tire-mounted crane, a central control module mounted on the tire-mounted crane, distance sensors, a monitoring screen, and an alarm. The tire-mounted crane includes a tire-mounted crane trolley, a spreader, and a driver's cab. The distance sensors are installed at the exits of the spreader and the driver's cab. The monitoring screen and the alarm are located in the driver's cab. The central control module is communicatively connected to the distance sensors, the monitoring screen, and the tire-mounted crane trolley. The distance sensors are used to monitor the distance between the spreader and surrounding containers in real time. The central control module is used to quickly analyze and process the distance data. The monitoring screen is used to display the distance data monitored by the distance sensors in real time.
[0005] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows: As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the distance sensor adopts a laser rangefinder.
[0006] The present invention also provides a tire-mounted anti-knock bowling method based on the above system, the method comprising the following steps: Step 1: Install distance sensors on the tire crane spreader and at the exit of the driver's cab. The distance sensor at the exit of the driver's cab mainly monitors the horizontal distance between the spreader and the containers in front and on both sides, while the distance sensor on the spreader focuses on monitoring the vertical and horizontal distance between the spreader and the containers below and around it. Step 2: The distance data collected by the distance sensor is transmitted to the central control module in real time. The central control module uses data processing algorithms to quickly analyze and process the distance data. Step 3: When the distance sensor measures that the height of the spreader is lower than the height of the container in the yard and the horizontal distance between the spreader and the container is less than the preset safety distance, the distance sensor sends a deceleration signal to the central control module, and the central control module performs speed limit operation on the rubber-tired crane trolley. Step 4: The central control module plots the distance data monitored by the distance sensor in real time and displays it on the monitoring screen in the driver's cab. Step 5: If the central control module determines that the distance between the spreader and the container is close to the danger threshold, the system will immediately activate the early warning mechanism. The central control module will control the alarm to issue an audible and visual alarm signal to remind the operator to pay attention to safety and take appropriate measures to avoid collision accidents. Step Six: The central control module continuously monitors the distance between the spreader and the container. When the distance between the spreader and the container returns to a safe range, the central control module automatically removes the speed limit and restores the normal operating speed of the tire crane trolley.
[0007] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, in step two, on the one hand, the central control module calculates the movement trajectory of the spreader and the possible collision risk area in the current state based on the real-time distance between the spreader and the container, combined with parameters such as the spreader's speed and direction; on the other hand, the central control module performs historical record and statistical analysis on the collected data so as to review and optimize the operation process in the future, and also provides data basis for the maintenance and fault diagnosis of the rubber-tired gantry crane.
[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, in step five, when the distance is close to the safety threshold but has not yet reached the danger range, the alarm issues a yellow warning signal to remind the operator to pay attention; when the distance enters the danger threshold range, the alarm issues a red warning signal, accompanied by a rapid alarm sound, and at the same time the central control module automatically triggers the tire crane trolley to decelerate, forcibly reducing the movement speed of the lifting device.
[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the above-mentioned anti-bowling method for tire cranes also includes: if the central control module detects an abnormal situation, such as sensor failure or data transmission error, it will immediately activate the protection mechanism to stop the relevant actions of the tire crane, ensuring the safety of equipment and personnel, and at the same time display the fault information on the monitoring screen to facilitate maintenance personnel to troubleshoot and repair.
[0010] The beneficial effects of this invention are: (i) Reduced accident rate: During the predicted use of the above-mentioned tire crane anti-bowling system, the accident rate decreased by 95% compared with the same period before the system was installed. This significant achievement fully demonstrates the effectiveness of the system in ensuring operational safety and greatly reduces the economic losses and personnel casualties caused by accidents.
[0011] (II) Improved Operational Efficiency: Although the system automatically limits the speed of the rubber-tired gantry crane in certain situations, from the perspective of the overall operation process, the application of the system has actually improved operational efficiency. On the one hand, by reducing the occurrence of accidents and avoiding long-term operational interruptions caused by accident handling, the overall operation of the dock is smoother and more efficient. On the other hand, with the real-time monitoring and early warning support of the system, operators can operate more confidently and accurately, rationally plan the operation path, and reduce unnecessary waiting and adjustment time, thereby improving the efficiency of a single operation cycle. According to actual calculations, after the system was put into use, the average operational efficiency of the rubber-tired gantry crane increased by 10%. (III) Enhancing Equipment Reliability: The stable operation of the system not only ensures operational safety and efficiency, but also protects the tire crane equipment itself, improving its reliability and service life. By monitoring the distance between the spreader and the container in real time, it avoids structural damage and wear of parts caused by collisions, reducing the number of maintenance operations and maintenance costs. At the same time, the system records and analyzes the equipment's operating data, which can promptly identify potential equipment failures and provide a basis for preventive maintenance, further improving the reliability and stability of the equipment. Attached Figure Description
[0012] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tire-lift anti-bowling system provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the tire-lift anti-bowling method provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention; In the diagram: 1. Tire-mounted crane; 11. Tire-mounted crane trolley; 12. Lifting device; 13. Driver's cab; 2. Central control module; 3. Distance sensor; 4. Monitoring screen; 5. Alarm. Detailed Implementation
[0014] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. These drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, which are only used to illustrate the basic structure of the present invention and therefore only show the components relevant to the present invention.
[0015] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a tire-mounted bowling system to prevent knocking, including a tire-mounted 1, a central control module 2 mounted on the tire-mounted 1, a distance sensor 3, a monitoring screen 4, and an alarm 5.
[0017] The distance sensor 3 is used to monitor the distance between the spreader 12 and surrounding containers in real time, so as to provide accurate data support for the system. In this embodiment, a high-precision laser rangefinder is selected as the distance sensor 3. The laser rangefinder has the advantages of high measurement accuracy, fast response speed and strong anti-interference ability, which can meet the requirements of distance measurement in complex working environments.
[0018] Specifically, the tire crane 1 includes a tire crane trolley 11, a lifting device 12, and a driver's cab 13. The distance sensor 3 is installed at the exit of the lifting device 12 and the driver's cab 13. The monitoring screen 4 and the alarm 5 are located in the driver's cab 13. The central control module 2 is communicatively connected to the distance sensor 3, the monitoring screen 4, and the tire crane trolley 11. The monitoring screen 4 is used to display the distance data monitored by the distance sensor 3 in real time.
[0019] Distance sensors 3 are installed at key locations on the rubber-tired gantry crane 1 to ensure comprehensive scanning of the relative positions of the spreader 12 and containers in the yard, eliminating blind spots. The distance sensor 3 at the exit of the driver's cab 13 is mainly used to monitor the horizontal distance between the spreader 12 and the containers in front and on both sides, while the distance sensors 3 on the spreader 12 focus on monitoring the vertical and horizontal distances between the spreader 12 and the containers below and around it, forming a comprehensive distance monitoring network.
[0020] Distance sensor 3 transmits the collected distance data to central control module 2 in real time. Central control module 2 uses advanced data processing algorithms to quickly analyze and process the distance data. On one hand, based on the real-time distance between spreader 12 and container, combined with parameters such as the speed and direction of spreader 12, central control module 2 calculates the trajectory of spreader 12 in its current state and the possible collision risk area; for example, by comparing the changes in distance between spreader 12 and container at different times, it predicts whether spreader 12 will collide with container at some point in the future. On the other hand, central control module 2 performs historical record and statistical analysis on the collected data to facilitate subsequent review and optimization of the operation process, and also provides data basis for the maintenance and fault diagnosis of rubber-tired crane 1.
[0021] Based on data processing and analysis results, the system has developed a comprehensive control strategy. When distance sensor 3 measures that the height of spreader 12 is lower than the height of the container in the yard and the horizontal distance between spreader 12 and the container is less than a preset safety distance (e.g., 5m), distance sensor 3 immediately sends a deceleration signal to central control module 2. Central control module 2 then quickly limits the speed of the tire crane trolley 11, reducing its operating speed to minimize the impact of a collision. Only when the height of spreader 12 is higher than the height of the container will central control module 2 release the speed limit on tire crane trolley 11, allowing it to operate normally. Furthermore, if central control module 2 determines that the distance between spreader 12 and the container is close to a danger threshold, in addition to deceleration, alarm 5 will also issue an audible and visual alarm signal to remind operators to pay attention to safety and take appropriate measures to avoid a collision.
[0022] Distance sensor 3 can monitor the distance between the spreader 12 and surrounding containers in real time and accurately in all directions. Whether during lifting, lowering, or lateral movement of the rubber-tired crane trolley 11, the distance data is updated frequently and displayed on the monitoring screen 4 in the operator's cab 13. The operator can intuitively understand the relative position of the spreader 12 and surrounding containers, adjust operations in a timely manner, and ensure operational safety. At the same time, the central control module 2 plots the distance data monitored by distance sensor 3 in real time and displays it on the monitoring screen 4 in the operator's cab 13, allowing the operator to observe the distance change trend and predict potential risks in advance.
[0023] By analyzing and processing real-time distance data, the central control module 2 can accurately determine whether there is a risk of collision between the spreader 12 and the container. Once a collision risk is detected, the system immediately activates the early warning mechanism. The central control module 2 controls the alarm 5 to issue different levels of audible and visual alarm signals. For example, when the distance is close to the safety threshold but has not yet reached the danger range, the alarm 5 issues a yellow warning signal to remind the operator to pay attention; when the distance enters the danger threshold range, the alarm 5 issues a red warning signal, accompanied by a rapid alarm sound. At the same time, the central control module 2 automatically triggers the tire crane trolley 11 to decelerate, forcibly reducing the movement speed of the spreader 12, giving the operator more reaction time and minimizing the occurrence of collision accidents.
[0024] When the central control module 2 detects that the distance between the spreader 12 and the container meets the automatic speed limiting conditions, it will automatically limit the speed of the rubber-tired crane trolley 11. This automatic control function is unaffected by the operator's subjective factors and can react immediately, effectively reducing the probability of collision accidents. During the automatic speed limiting process, the central control module 2 continuously monitors the changes in the distance between the spreader 12 and the container. When the distance between the spreader 12 and the container returns to a safe range, the central control module 2 automatically removes the speed limit and restores the normal operating speed of the rubber-tired crane trolley 11. In addition, if the central control module 2 detects an abnormality, such as sensor failure or data transmission error, it will immediately activate the protection mechanism, stop the relevant actions of the rubber-tired crane 1, ensure the safety of equipment and personnel, and display fault information on the monitoring screen 4 to facilitate troubleshooting and repair by maintenance personnel.
[0025] The aforementioned anti-bowling system for rubber-tired gantry cranes based on distance sensor 3 has achieved remarkable results in practical applications, effectively solving the safety hazards in the operation of rubber-tired gantry cranes at the dock, improving operational efficiency and equipment reliability, and realizing comprehensive safety protection for the operation of rubber-tired gantry crane 1.
[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, the present invention also provides a tire-mounted anti-knock bowling method based on the above system, the method comprising the following steps: Step 1: Install distance sensor 3 at the exit of the tire crane spreader 12 and the driver's cab 13. The distance sensor 3 at the exit of the driver's cab 13 mainly monitors the horizontal distance between the spreader 12 and the containers in front and on both sides, while the distance sensor 3 on the spreader 12 mainly monitors the vertical and horizontal distance between the spreader 12 and the containers below and around it. Step 2: The distance data collected by the distance sensor 3 is transmitted to the central control module 2 in real time. The central control module 2 uses data processing algorithms to quickly analyze and process the distance data. Step 3: When the distance sensor 3 measures that the height of the spreader 12 is lower than the height of the container in the yard and the horizontal distance between the spreader 12 and the container is less than the preset safety distance, the distance sensor 3 sends a deceleration signal to the central control module 2, and the central control module 2 performs speed limiting operation on the tire crane trolley 11. Step 4: The central control module 2 plots the distance data monitored by the distance sensor 3 in real time and displays it on the monitoring screen 4 in the driver's cab 13. Step 5: If the central control module 2 determines that the distance between the spreader 12 and the container is close to the danger threshold, the system will immediately activate the early warning mechanism. The central control module 2 will control the alarm 5 to issue an audible and visual alarm signal to remind the operator to pay attention to safety and take appropriate measures to avoid collision accidents. Step 6: The central control module 2 continuously monitors the distance between the spreader 12 and the container. When the distance between the spreader 12 and the container returns to a safe range, the central control module 2 automatically removes the speed limit and restores the normal operating speed of the tire crane trolley 11.
[0027] Specifically, in step two, on the one hand, the central control module 2 calculates the motion trajectory of the spreader 12 and the possible collision risk area in the current state based on the real-time distance between the spreader 12 and the container, combined with parameters such as the speed and direction of the spreader 12; on the other hand, the central control module 2 performs historical record and statistical analysis on the collected data so as to review and optimize the operation process in the future, and also provides data basis for the maintenance and fault diagnosis of the rubber tire crane 1.
[0028] Specifically, in step five, when the distance approaches the safety threshold but has not yet reached the danger range, the alarm 5 issues a yellow warning signal to remind the operator to pay attention; when the distance enters the danger threshold range, the alarm 5 issues a red warning signal, accompanied by a rapid alarm sound, and at the same time the central control module 2 automatically triggers the tire crane trolley 11 to decelerate, forcibly reducing the movement speed of the lifting device 12.
[0029] In addition, the above method also includes: if the central control module 2 detects an abnormal situation, such as sensor failure or data transmission error, it will immediately activate the protection mechanism to stop the relevant actions of the tire crane 1 to ensure the safety of equipment and personnel, and at the same time display the fault information on the monitoring screen 4 to facilitate maintenance personnel to troubleshoot and repair.
[0030] The tire-mounted anti-bowling system and method provided by this invention have achieved significant results in practical applications: (i) Reduced accident rate: During the predicted use of the above-mentioned tire crane anti-bowling system, the accident rate decreased by 95% compared with the same period before the system was installed. This significant achievement fully demonstrates the effectiveness of the system in ensuring operational safety and greatly reduces the economic losses and personnel casualties caused by accidents.
[0031] (II) Improved Operational Efficiency: Although the system automatically limits the speed of the rubber-tired crane trolley 11 in certain situations, from the perspective of the overall operation process, the application of the system has actually improved operational efficiency. On the one hand, by reducing the occurrence of accidents and avoiding long-term operational interruptions caused by accident handling, the overall operation of the dock is smoother and more efficient. On the other hand, with the real-time monitoring and early warning support of the system, operators can operate more confidently and accurately, rationally plan the operation path, and reduce unnecessary waiting and adjustment time, thereby improving the efficiency of a single operation cycle. According to actual calculations, after the system was put into use, the average operational efficiency of the rubber-tired crane 1 increased by 10%. (III) Enhancing Equipment Reliability: The stable operation of the system not only ensures operational safety and efficiency, but also protects the tire crane itself, improving its reliability and service life. By monitoring the distance between the spreader 12 and the container in real time, it avoids structural damage and wear of parts caused by collisions, reducing the number of maintenance operations and maintenance costs. At the same time, the system records and analyzes the equipment's operating data, which can promptly identify potential equipment failures and provide a basis for preventive maintenance, further improving the reliability and stability of the equipment.
[0032] Any descriptions not covered in the above specific embodiments of the present invention are known technologies in the field and can be implemented with reference to such known technologies.
[0033] Based on the preferred embodiments of the present invention described above, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A tire-mounted anti-bowling system, characterized in that: The system includes a tire-mounted crane, a central control module mounted on the tire-mounted crane, distance sensors, a monitoring screen, and an alarm. The tire-mounted crane includes a trolley, a spreader, and a driver's cab. The distance sensors are installed at the exits of the spreader and the driver's cab. The monitoring screen and alarm are located in the driver's cab. The central control module is communicatively connected to the distance sensors, the monitoring screen, and the tire-mounted crane trolley. The distance sensors are used to monitor the distance between the spreader and surrounding containers in real time. The central control module is used to quickly analyze and process the distance data. The monitoring screen is used to display the distance data monitored by the distance sensors in real time.
2. The tire-mounted anti-bowling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance sensor is a laser rangefinder.
3. A tire-mounted anti-knock bowling method based on the system of claim 1 or 2, the method comprising the following steps: Step 1: Install distance sensors on the tire crane spreader and at the exit of the driver's cab. The distance sensor at the exit of the driver's cab mainly monitors the horizontal distance between the spreader and the containers in front and on both sides, while the distance sensor on the spreader focuses on monitoring the vertical and horizontal distance between the spreader and the containers below and around it. Step 2: The distance data collected by the distance sensor is transmitted to the central control module in real time. The central control module uses data processing algorithms to quickly analyze and process the distance data. Step 3: When the distance sensor measures that the height of the spreader is lower than the height of the container in the yard and the horizontal distance between the spreader and the container is less than the preset safety distance, the distance sensor sends a deceleration signal to the central control module, and the central control module performs speed limit operation on the rubber-tired crane trolley. Step 4: The central control module plots the distance data monitored by the distance sensor in real time and displays it on the monitoring screen in the driver's cab. Step 5: If the central control module determines that the distance between the spreader and the container is close to the danger threshold, the system will immediately activate the early warning mechanism. The central control module will control the alarm to issue an audible and visual alarm signal to remind the operator to pay attention to safety and take appropriate measures to avoid collision accidents. Step Six: The central control module continuously monitors the distance between the spreader and the container. When the distance between the spreader and the container returns to a safe range, the central control module automatically removes the speed limit and restores the normal operating speed of the tire crane trolley.
4. The tire-mounted anti-knock bowling method according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step two, on the one hand, the central control module calculates the movement trajectory of the spreader and the possible collision risk area in the current state based on the real-time distance between the spreader and the container, combined with parameters such as the spreader's speed and direction; on the other hand, the central control module performs historical record and statistical analysis on the collected data in order to review and optimize the operation process in the future, and also provides data basis for the maintenance and fault diagnosis of the rubber-tired gantry crane.
5. The tire-mounted anti-knock bowling method according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step five, when the distance approaches the safety threshold but has not yet reached the danger range, the alarm issues a yellow warning signal to remind the operator to pay attention; when the distance enters the danger threshold range, the alarm issues a red warning signal, accompanied by a rapid alarm sound, and at the same time the central control module automatically triggers the tire crane trolley to decelerate, forcibly reducing the speed of the lifting device.
6. The tire-mounted anti-knock bowling method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: If the central control module detects an anomaly, such as sensor failure or data transmission error, it will immediately activate the protection mechanism to stop the tire crane's related actions, ensuring the safety of the equipment and personnel. At the same time, it will display the fault information on the monitoring screen to facilitate maintenance personnel in troubleshooting and repair.