Boom Tip Control for Automatic Crane Constraint Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing boom tip control methods for cranes on working machines do not adequately account for operational limitations, leading to difficulties in achieving desired movements due to factors like actuator extremes or collisions with obstacles, requiring manual intervention by the driver.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automatically adjusts boom speeds based on prioritization criteria, using a programmable data processing unit to optimize crane movements and avoid obstacles by modifying control commands when certain conditions are met.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If boom tip control is used to directly control the movement of the crane head, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when operational limitations are not accounted for

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors the positions of booms and actuators, and automatically adjusts boom speeds based on feedback from sensors detecting operational limitations such as actuator extremes or potential collisions with obstacles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the speeds of individual booms based on real-time operational conditions, prioritizing movements that avoid limitations while maintaining the overall desired motion of the crane head

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the control system attempts to move the crane head in a desired direction without considering operational limitations, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to actuator extremes or collisions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs preliminary checks of operational limitations before executing movements, and proactively adjusts boom speeds to prevent actuator extremes or collisions with obstacles before they occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

When operational limitations are detected, the system skips problematic movements by automatically adjusting which booms move and at what speeds, bypassing configurations that would lead to actuator extremes or collisions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Reliability

If manual intervention is required to resolve operational limitations, then the reliability is improved by avoiding collisions, but the productivity deteriorates due to interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically detects operational limitations and adjusts boom movements without requiring manual intervention from the driver, resolving conflicts between reliability and productivity autonomously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4186849B1Method and system for controlling the crane of a working machine by using boom tip control
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 JOHN DEERE FORESTRY OY
  • EP4186849B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4186849B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and system for controlling the crane (22) of a working machine (10, 44) by using boom tip control, in which method the crane (22) comprises at least two booms (24, 26, 28) and a head (38) of the crane, which booms are connected to the working machine (10, 44) and each other in an articulated manner, and which booms are moved in relation to the working machine (10, 44) and to each other by means of actuators (32, 34, 36) controlled by a control system of the working machine (10, 44), and in which method direction and speed of motion of the head (38) of the crane, controlled by the driver applying controls (50, 52) in the working machine (10, 44), is implemented by applying speeds of the booms (24, 26, 28) of the crane (22). In the method the speeds of the booms (24, 26, 28) of the crane (22) are controlled automatically.