Crane Auxiliary Control Module for Safe Boom Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cranes with boom systems require complex and precise setup movements, necessitating experienced personnel and a narrow motion corridor, which can lead to tilting or damage due to slight deviations, and there is a need for assistance in critical crane movements beyond setup.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary control module is introduced to assist crane movements by determining target positions and manipulating crane actuators, allowing for semi-autonomous operation, with features like angle-based monitoring and weather data integration to optimize positioning and movement sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation of crane movements is used, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but the risk of tilting or damage increases due to narrow motion corridor and operator error
Solution Approach 1:
The crane system performs self-positioning and self-monitoring through the auxiliary control module that automatically determines target positions and manipulates actuators based on sensor feedback, reducing reliance on manual operator control while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors crane position, boom angle, and operational parameters through sensors, providing real-time feedback to the auxiliary control module which adjusts movements to stay within safe motion corridors and prevent tilting or damage
2Manufacturing precision
If experienced personnel operate the crane manually, then precise control within narrow motion corridor is achieved, but time expenditure and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to achieve precise positioning within narrow motion corridors, eliminating the time loss associated with manual setup while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary control module pre-determines target positions and plans movement sequences before execution, allowing the crane to efficiently navigate narrow motion corridors without requiring time-consuming manual adjustments and corrections
3Reliability
If auxiliary control module is introduced for semi-autonomous operation, then operation safety and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary control module serves multiple functions including target position determination, actuator control, sensor data processing, and safety monitoring, consolidating these capabilities into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary control module acts as an intermediary between the operator and the crane's actuators, translating high-level position commands into coordinated actuator movements while monitoring safety parameters, thereby simplifying the overall control architecture despite adding a control layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the assisted performance of crane movements by a crane with at least two boom elements that are movable relative to one another, whereby an auxiliary control module, after activation by the user, determines at least one target position of the boom system, determines the crane movements necessary for achieving the target position and, after active user confirmation, indirectly or directly activates the specific crane actuators for the performance of the crane movements determined by means of the crane control.