Crane Boom Configuration Control via Inclinometer Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated erection cranes lack real-time monitoring and control of boom configurations, leading to potential mechanical blockages and immobilization during configuration changes, which can result in damage or the need for repair.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating inclinometers on boom elements to monitor actual inclinations and a control/command system that controls the motorized folding/unfolding system based on these measurements, ensuring coherent movement and validating configurations through comparison with theoretical inclinations stored in memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated folding/unfolding system is used without real-time monitoring, then automation level is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to undetected mechanical blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through inclinometers that continuously monitor the actual inclination of boom elements during folding and unfolding operations. The control system receives this feedback and compares it with expected values, automatically detecting deviations that indicate mechanical blockages or abnormal configurations, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving automation.
2Device complexity
If visual check by pilot is used instead of automated control, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to manual operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own operation through inclinometers and detecting configuration errors without requiring continuous pilot intervention. This automated self-monitoring enables unattended operation during configuration changes, improving productivity while keeping the system relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If no configuration validation is performed, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information deteriorates as incorrect configurations go undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from inclinometers to automatically validate whether the crane configuration matches the expected theoretical configuration at each stage of folding and unfolding. This automated validation detects configuration errors without requiring pilot expertise, maintaining ease of operation while preventing information loss about incorrect configurations.
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
Enables real-time monitoring and control of boom configurations, preventing mechanical issues and ensuring safe transitions between transport and working configurations, thereby reducing the risk of damage and immobilization.
Implementation Method 1
one or more inclinometers mounted on one or more boom elements to measure actual inclinations of said boom element or of said several boom elements relative to a reference axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-erecting crane (1) comprising a mast (2) supporting a folding boom (3) comprising boom elements (31, 32, 33) articulated together, configurable between a transport configuration and a working configuration, comprising a motorized folding/unfolding system (4) for performing configuration change operations implementing boom folding and unfolding kinematics, and a control/command system (5) connected to the motorized folding/unfolding system for operating it, and one or more inclinometers (61, 62) mounted on one or more boom elements for measuring actual inclinations of the boom element(s) relative to a reference axis, the control/command system being configured to operate the motorized folding/unfolding system according to the actual inclinations of the boom element(s) during the boom folding and unfolding kinematics.