Crane Boom Pointing Angle Determination Using GNSS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the pointing angle of a crane, especially when it is high off the ground, is challenging due to visual inaccuracies and the difficulty in precise measurement.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a self-calibration system using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver and antenna, which collects data from multiple positions of the crane to determine the pivot point and subsequently calculate the pointing angle relative to a reference direction, employing techniques like Kalman filtering and error correction to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual observation is used to determine crane pointing angle, then the method is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates especially when crane is high off the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual observation methods with an automated electronic measurement system comprising GNSS receivers, antennas, and a processor. The system automatically determines the pointing angle by calculating the angle between the crane's working arm and a reference direction using coordinate data from multiple GNSS receivers, eliminating the need for manual visual estimation and significantly improving measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If manual visual measurement is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of pointing angle determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining the pivot point coordinates through mathematical calculations based on measurements from multiple GNSS receivers. The processor autonomously calculates the pointing angle without requiring manual intervention or calibration, and the system automatically corrects for errors in the measurements, enhancing reliability while maintaining reasonable complexity.
3Measurement precision
If automated GNSS-based system is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The GNSS receivers serve multiple functions: they provide position data for calculating the pointing angle, enable determination of the pivot point through self-calibration, and support error correction mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each measurement task, thereby managing system complexity while achieving high precision.
4Productivity
If automated calculation system is used, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates error correction mechanisms that use feedback from the measurements to improve accuracy. The processor analyzes the coordinate data from multiple GNSS receivers, calculates the pointing angle, and applies corrections based on the determined pivot point and measurement inconsistencies, thereby enhancing productivity through automated iterative refinement.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for determining a working arm point angle of the crane. A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver antenna is disposed on a point along a boom assembly of the crane configured to pivot about a pivot point. A location of the pivot point is received. A working arm of the crane is rotated about the pivot point to point in a current direction. A current location of the GNSS receiver antenna is determined. A current working arm pointing angle relative to a reference direction for the current direction of the working arm is determined based on the current location of the GNSS receiver antenna and the location of the pivot point.