Automated Counterweight Mounting Control for Lifting Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional large-tonnage cranes require two operators for manually mounting counterweights, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks due to improper cooperation.

Innovation Solution

A control method and apparatus that automatically control the positioning of a slewing pin and counterweight cylinder using proximity switches and position signals to facilitate safe and efficient mounting of counterweights on a lifting machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual mounting of counterweights is performed by two operators, then the process can be completed with simple equipment, but safety risks increase and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidefficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-positioning and self-locking operations. The slewing assembly automatically rotates to predetermined angles, the slewing pin automatically engages with the locking pin hole, and the counterweight cylinder automatically extends to secure the counterweight block, eliminating the need for manual observation and cooperation between operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses proximity switches to detect the position of the slewing pin relative to the locking pin hole. When the slewing pin is detected to be inserted into the locking pin hole, a position signal is triggered, providing feedback to the control system to confirm proper positioning before proceeding with the mounting action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If manual observation and cooperation are used for mounting counterweights, then equipment complexity is reduced, but the precision of positioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical observation and positioning with an automated control system that uses proximity switches to detect positions and a control device to execute precise movements. The slewing assembly is controlled to rotate to predetermined angles, and the counterweight cylinder is controlled to extend or retract based on detected position signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The proximity switch acts as an intermediary between the physical position of the slewing pin and the control system. It converts the physical positioning information into an electrical position signal that the control device can process, enabling precise automated control without direct human intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4653375A1Control method and apparatus for counterweight mounting of lifting device, device and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 HUNAN SANY MEDIUM TONNAGE HOISTING MASCH CO LTD
  • EP4653375A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4653375A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4653375A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present application relates to the field of lifting technology, in particular to a control method and apparatus for mounting counterweights on a lifting machine, a device and a storage medium. The control method comprises: controlling a slewing assembly to rotate to a predetermined angle in response to a mounting start instruction; when the slewing assembly has rotated to the predetermined angle, controlling and adjusting a positional relationship between a slewing pin and a locking pin hole, and acquiring a first position signal triggered by the slewing pin. By controlling and adjusting the positional relationship between the slewing pin and the locking pin hole when the slewing assembly has rotated to a predetermined angle and acquiring the first position signal triggered by the slewing pin, and by controlling a counterweight cylinder to perform a mounting action on a counterweight block when the first position signal indicates that the slewing pin has been inserted into the locking pin hole, the mounted counterweight is automatically controlled, with no need of manual lifting based on manual observation, thereby effectively improving efficiency of mounting counterweights, and enhancing safety in mounting counterweights.