Crane Maneuvering Assistance Using 3D Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction jobsites face challenges in safely maneuvering cranes due to dynamic and uncertain environments, with existing technologies failing to effectively track and manage movable crane components in real-time amidst changing obstacles and equipment arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines three-dimensional geospatial coordinates of cranes using GPS and RTK technology, enabling the tracking and modeling of movable crane components and static obstacles, and provides real-time maneuvering assistance through a network of positioning sensors and computing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS and RTK positioning technology is used to track crane components, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for positioning sensors, network infrastructure, and computing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network infrastructure as an intermediary between GPS/RTK positioning devices and crane control systems. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of data transmission, processing, and integration, allowing the positioning technology to improve measurement precision while the network system manages the associated complexity rather than directly increasing the crane control system's complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surveying and manual positioning methods with electronic GPS and RTK positioning systems. This substitution dramatically improves measurement precision for crane tracking while the automated nature of the electronic system actually reduces operational complexity compared to manual surveying procedures
2Reliability
If real-time tracking of movable crane components is implemented, then reliability is improved for collision avoidance, but loss of time increases due to the need for continuous monitoring and dynamic modeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time tracking of crane components using GPS and RTK positioning, maintaining constant monitoring without interruption. This continuous action ensures reliability for collision avoidance by always having current position data, while the automated continuous monitoring eliminates the need for periodic manual checks that would create time losses
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the crane's own movable components (boom, jib, counterweights) as the tracking targets, allowing the crane to essentially track itself through integrated positioning sensors. This self-service approach provides reliable real-time position data without requiring external monitoring systems that would consume additional time for setup and operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic modeling of crane positions and obstacles is provided, then adaptability is improved for changing jobsite conditions, but device complexity increases due to the need for sensor networks and computing processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning and modeling system that can track multiple types of objects (crane components, obstacles, equipment) using the same GPS/RTK infrastructure. This multi-functional system improves adaptability for various jobsite conditions while the universal nature of the technology reduces complexity compared to having separate specialized systems for different tracking purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic modeling that automatically updates crane positions and obstacle locations in real-time as conditions change at the jobsite. This dynamic approach improves adaptability by continuously reflecting current conditions in the model, while the automated updates eliminate the need for manual re-modeling that would increase time and complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances safety by allowing for precise tracking and collision avoidance, improving planning and execution phases of construction projects by providing accurate and dynamic models of crane positions and obstacles, thus optimizing crane operations and reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
A system that determines three-dimensional geospatial coordinates of cranes using GPS and RTK technology
Implementation Method 2
A system that determines three-dimensional geospatial coordinates of cranes using GPS and RTK technology
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system (CS) calculates a three-dimensional (3D) position of an origin of a 3D upperworks coordinate system for a crane based on local coordinates of the crane. The origin is located along an axis of rotation between an upperworks of the crane and a lowerworks of the crane that is rotatably coupled with the upperworks. The CS transforms the 3D position of the origin from the local coordinates to global 3D coordinates using absolute position sensing data from first and second positioning sensors attached to the crane and using global 3D coordinates specific to the jobsite where the crane is located. The CS computes positions of at least one movable component of the crane with respect to a tracked object on the jobsite. The CS utilizes the computed positions to provide assistance in maneuvering the crane with respect to the tracked object.