Crane Arm Distance Control for Restricted Safe Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional crane systems lack sophisticated safety features to prevent accidents, particularly when operating in proximity to obstacles or workers, and existing solutions do not provide high operator safety and control during loading/unloading procedures.
Innovation Solution
A crane arrangement integrating a distance measurement system with user-defined controls and safety protocols that compare working distances to predefined safety thresholds, allowing for cautious operation modes and continuous monitoring to manage crane movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional crane systems are used without sophisticated safety features, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is maintained, but operator safety and collision avoidance capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously measuring distances to obstacles and workers before crane movements can cause harm. The distance measurement arrangement actively monitors the environment in advance, allowing the system to prepare safety responses before collisions occur, thus improving operator safety without requiring complex reactive mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring distance measurements and using this information to control crane movements. The system receives feedback from distance sensors about obstacle positions and worker locations, then adjusts crane operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop safety system that enhances reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control
2Reliability
If safety spaces are defined around the crane tip to prevent accidents, then operator safety is improved, but the crane's operational flexibility and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the safety space dynamic rather than static. The safety radius adjusts automatically based on operational context - expanding when obstacles or workers are detected and contracting when the area is clear. This dynamic approach ensures operator safety while minimizing restrictions on crane productivity during normal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by adjusting the safety radius parameter based on real-time conditions. The system modifies the safety parameter (radius size) according to the presence of obstacles or workers, allowing the crane to operate with full flexibility when safe and imposing restrictions only when necessary, thus balancing safety with productivity
3Reliability
If the crane automatically stops when distance thresholds are breached, then collision avoidance is improved, but operator controllability and operational continuity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by implementing different control modes in different spatial zones. Within the safety radius, the crane operates in a restricted mode with automatic stop capabilities for collision avoidance. Outside this radius, the crane returns to normal operational mode with full operator controllability. This localized approach protects operators while maintaining ease of operation during normal workflow
4Reliability
If distance measurement and continuous monitoring systems are implemented, then operational safety is enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the distance measurement arrangement to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same sensor system is used for both collision avoidance and for defining dynamic safety spaces, and for monitoring both obstacles and workers. This multi-functional approach enhances operational safety without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one system performs multiple safety-related tasks
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Crane arrangement (2) arranged in relation to a vehicle (4), the crane arrangement (2) comprising a movable arm (6) comprising a plurality of crane booms including a final crane boom with a crane boom tip (8); a crane manoeuvring unit (10) arranged to generate crane operation commands (12), such as commands for movements of the movable arm (6), based on received crane operation inputs (14) by an operator of the crane arrangement (2); a distance measurement arrangement (16) configured to measure and determine a straight line working distance (18) between said crane manoeuvring unit (10) and a predetermined location (20) at said movable arm (6), and to generate a distance signal (22) in dependence thereto, and a crane controller (24) arranged to monitor and control the movements of the movable arm (6) in response to crane operation commands (12) received from the crane manoeuvring unit (10) and of said distance signal (22) from the distance measurement arrangement (16). The crane controller (24) is configured to compare the working distance (18) to a first predetermined safety distance (34), and if said working distance (18) is shorter than said first predetermined safety distance (34), the crane controller (24) is arranged to stop crane movements. The manoeuvring unit (10) is configured to receive, from the operator, a crane operation input for continued operation, and if it is determined that said working distance (18) is shorter than said first predetermined safety distance (34) and if a crane operation input for continued operation is received by said manoeuvring unit (10), the crane controller (24) is arranged to activate a cautious operation mode that enables restricted movements of the movable arm (6) defined by a set of movement limitation rules.