Crane Configuration Identification for Adaptive Load Curve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting and handling devices, such as cranes, face challenges in accurately determining their configuration and adapting operating characteristics due to human error and inefficiencies in assembly, leading to potential damage or collapse.
Innovation Solution
A crane system with identification components on structural, operating, and ballast elements that communicate via a hop-by-hop radio protocol to a central control unit, allowing precise determination of the device's configuration and optimizing operating characteristics based on structural, operating, and ballast parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection is used to verify assembly configuration, then human error can be detected, but the inspection process becomes lengthy and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated electronic identification system using RFID tags and readers. The system automatically detects and verifies the configuration of structural elements through electronic means, eliminating the need for lengthy manual inspection while maintaining high accuracy in verifying assembly correctness.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification components attached to structural elements enable the system to automatically self-verify its own configuration. The RFID tags on elements and readers at control stations create a self-documenting system that automatically provides configuration data without requiring external manual verification.
2Measurement precision
If manual assembly verification is performed, then configuration accuracy can be checked, but assembly errors may still occur due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual verification with automated electronic identification using RFID technology. The system objectively reads identification data from tags on structural elements and automatically compares the actual configuration against the predefined configuration, eliminating human error in detection while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback by automatically comparing the detected configuration with the predefined configuration. When discrepancies are found, the system generates alerts or warnings, creating a closed-loop verification process that ensures configuration accuracy without relying on human judgment.
3Productivity
If a database with standard crane configurations is used, then load curves can be retrieved, but the solution is unsuitable for variable or extreme configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic configuration identification system that adapts to any crane configuration rather than relying on fixed standard configurations. The RFID-based system automatically detects the actual configuration of structural elements and determines appropriate operating characteristics in real-time, enabling the system to handle variable and extreme configurations that fall outside predefined standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes from retrieving fixed load curves based on standard configurations to dynamically determining operating characteristics based on actual detected configuration parameters. The identification components store configuration-specific data that allows the system to adapt its operating parameters to match the actual crane setup, whether standard or extreme.
4Measurement precision
If identification components are attached to all structural elements, then configuration can be precisely determined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal RFID identification components that can be attached to any structural element regardless of type or position. These multi-functional tags serve multiple purposes: identifying the element, storing configuration data, and enabling automatic verification. This universality reduces overall system complexity by using a single standardized identification technology across all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the identification function into separate, independent RFID tags that are attached to structural elements rather than embedding complexity within the structural elements themselves. This separation allows the identification system to be added without fundamentally altering the structural design, maintaining simplicity while achieving precise configuration identification.
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 accurate configuration identification and optimized operating characteristics, reducing assembly errors and ensuring safe operation by adapting load curves and limits based on actual crane configurations.
Implementation Method 1
each identification component comprising a radio communication module having a predefined radio communication range in order to be able to communicate with at least one other identification component
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a lifting and handling device (G) comprising a plurality of structural elements, a plurality of operating elements, at least one ballast element mounted on a structural element, a central control unit, a plurality of identification components (01-26), each structural, operating and ballast element being coupled to an identification component, and each identification component comprising a radio communication module having a predefined radio communication range (R) in order to be able to communicate with at least one other identification component, and a master radio communication unit (MU) connected to the plurality of identification components (01-26) and intended to receive identification information from each of the components, as well as a method for managing and controlling the operation of said lifting and handling device (G).