Vehicle Crane Cable Tension Compensation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cranes face issues with cable tension fluctuations during geometry changes of articulated arms, leading to over-stressing or slack cables, which can overload components and burden operators with complex control functions.
Innovation Solution
A compensation device, potentially hydraulic with a pressure limiting valve and electrically switchable directional valve, is integrated with the cable winch to maintain constant tension by winding or unwinding the load cable based on geometry changes, using a distance sensor with a spring element for length adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the crane arms are unfolded or folded up, then the crane geometry changes, but the cable becomes over-stressed or slack
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation device continuously monitors the cable length and tension during crane arm movement, using feedback signals to automatically adjust the cable winch operation. This ensures the cable maintains optimal tension throughout the range of motion, preventing both over-stressing and slack conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the cable winch parameters (rotation speed, tension level) based on the real-time geometry of the crane arms. As the arms unfold or fold, the compensation device adjusts the cable winding/unwinding rate to maintain constant tension, resolving the contradiction between geometry variation and tension stability.
2Reliability
If the cable tension is maintained constant, then component overloading is prevented, but complex control functions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation device is designed to automatically regulate cable tension without requiring complex external control systems. The hydraulic or spring-based mechanism self-adjusts based on the crane's geometry changes, providing component protection through automatic tension maintenance while keeping the control system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic or spring-based compensation mechanisms that use fluid pressure or elastic potential energy to automatically maintain cable tension. These physical mechanisms provide reliable component protection through passive tension regulation, avoiding the need for complex electronic control systems.
3Reliability
If a compensation device is integrated with the cable winch, then cable tension is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation device is integrated directly with the existing cable winch assembly, merging the tension control function with the cable handling mechanism. This integration maintains reliable cable tension control while minimizing additional complexity by utilizing the existing winch structure and hydraulic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable winch is designed to serve multiple functions: cable handling, tension control, and geometry compensation. By making the winch multi-functional, the system achieves reliable cable tension control without adding separate dedicated compensation mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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
The solution ensures a uniform and constant load cable tension across all crane arm configurations, preventing overloading and operator burden, through seamless integration with existing hydraulic systems and compact construction.
Implementation Method 1
the compensation device is hydraulic
Implementation Method 2
the distance sensor has at least one spring element—preferably a gas spring
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle crane—in particular an articulated-arm crane—includes a lifting arm and one or more articulated arms, and the geometry of the crane arms can be changed with respect to one another. A load cable can be guided or is guided on the crane arms. A compensation device allows the tension in the load cable to be controlled or regulated upon a change in the geometry of the crane arms with respect to one another.