Crane Control Circuitry for Attachment-Specific Motion Limits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cranes delivered with initial kinematic parameters limited by the most restrictive attachment requirements cannot accommodate new attachments with different demands, lacking flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing control circuitry with a first and second operation mode, where the second mode limits kinematic parameters to suit specific attachments like a workman basket, using sensors to detect attachment presence and adjust crane movements accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the crane is delivered with kinematic parameters limited to the most restrictive attachment, then safety and compatibility with current attachments are improved, but adaptability to future attachments with different demands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of kinematic parameters based on the attached equipment. The control system automatically detects which attachment is mounted and adjusts speed limits, acceleration limits, and other motion parameters accordingly. This allows the crane to operate safely with each specific attachment rather than being constrained by the most restrictive attachment's parameters at all times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (speed limits, acceleration limits, rotation limits) based on the detected attachment type. Different attachments have different optimal and safe operating ranges, and the control system adjusts these parameters dynamically to match the requirements of the currently attached equipment, resolving the contradiction between safety and adaptability.
2Productivity
If the crane operates with higher speed for productivity, then efficiency is improved, but safety requirements for certain attachments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts speed limits based on the attached equipment. For attachments that can tolerate higher speeds, the crane operates at higher speeds to maximize productivity. For attachments requiring slower operation, the system automatically reduces speed limits to ensure safety. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between productivity and safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the crane is equipped with sensors and control circuitry to detect attachments, then adaptability and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions: it controls crane operation, detects attached equipment, identifies attachment types, and adjusts operational parameters accordingly. By making the control system universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the presence and type of attached equipment and feeds this information back to the control circuitry. The control system then automatically adjusts operational parameters based on this feedback. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation without requiring complex manual configuration or multiple separate control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Control circuitry for a crane, comprises an input interface (102) configured to receive readings of sensors (174, 520) sensing operating parameters of the crane and an output interface (104) to output control data to cause actuators of the crane to perform a movement. A compute circuit (106) is configured to control the movement of the actuators in a first operation mode and in a second operation mode, wherein at least one kinematic parameter of the actuators is limited in the second mode as compared to the first mode.