Automatic Crane Boom Erection via Sensor Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complex and time-consuming process of moving a crane's boom system requires experienced operators to prevent tipping or damage, as it involves intricate sequences of movements that are difficult to execute safely.

Innovation Solution

An automatic process for moving the boom system of a crane, involving the measurement and control of parameters such as relative angles and forces using sensors and actuators like luffing cylinders and winches with adjustable cable mechanisms, to regulate and monitor the movement and prevent tipping or damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual operation of boom system is used, then operator can control movement, but process is time-consuming and requires experienced operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement speedVSAvoidoperator expertise requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The boom system performs its own monitoring and control using integrated sensors (angle sensors, force sensors) and automatic control unit that regulates drive actuation based on measured parameters, eliminating the need for experienced manual operators and reducing movement time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If complex movement sequences are executed manually, then safety can be maintained with experienced operators, but process duration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmovement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously receives feedback from angle sensors measuring boom element positions and force sensors monitoring guy wire tensions, automatically adjusting drive actuation to maintain safe operating parameters throughout the movement sequence, ensuring safety while optimizing speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical control by operators is replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and control algorithms to execute movement sequences, eliminating the time penalty associated with manual operation while maintaining or improving safety through consistent parameter monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If automatic control is implemented, then operation is simplified and safety improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes data from angle sensors, force sensors, and other crane systems; calculates optimal movement parameters; controls drive actuation; and monitors safety conditions. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single integrated system rather than distributing it across multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10138096B2Automatic erection of a crane

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 LIEBHERR WERK EHINGEN

AI summary

The present invention relates to a process for the automatic movement of the boom system of a crane, in particular a mobile crane, with at least two boom elements. The process includes the following steps: measuring of at least one control parameter and in particular automatic actuation of at least one drive of the boom system depending on the measured control parameter.