Overhead Crane Control Device Visual Pattern Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

The orientation-dependent arrow buttons on existing overhead crane control devices can be confusing for operators, leading to incorrect direction selection and potential accidents, especially when handling heavy loads.

Innovation Solution

A handling system with distinct visual communication patterns on both the control device and separate visual means, such as wall or ceiling displays, ensures clear direction indication, allowing operators to move the carriage in desired directions without confusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If orientation-dependent arrow buttons are used on the control device, then the control device can be easily gripped and turned by the operator, but the arrows become confusing because their orientation depends on the orientation of the control device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of gripping and turning control deviceVSAvoidclarity of direction indication

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary reference system (the control device housing with directional markings) that mediates between the operator's orientation and the carriage movement direction. The housing includes visual indicators (arrows or markings) that show the correspondence between control device orientation and carriage movement direction, allowing the operator to interpret the button arrows correctly regardless of how the control device is held.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical arrow orientation system with a combined mechanical-optical information system. Instead of relying solely on the physical orientation of arrow symbols on buttons, the system uses visual communication means (displays showing directional patterns) to provide unambiguous directional information that is independent of control device orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the control device hangs from the horizontal beams, then it can be easily accessed by the operator, but the arrow orientation becomes ambiguous depending on which direction the operator is looking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of control deviceVSAvoiddetermination of appropriate button

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The control device housing serves as an intermediary reference frame that provides directional context. Visual indicators on the housing indicate which button corresponds to movement in each direction relative to the overhead crane structure, allowing the operator to determine the correct button regardless of their viewing direction or how the control device is oriented in space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the reference orientation on the control device housing before the operator attempts to control movement. The directional markings and visual indicators are already in place, showing the relationship between control device orientation and carriage movement direction, so the operator can immediately interpret button functions without confusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If simple arrow buttons are used on the control device, then the control device remains simple in design, but the risk of operator error increases due to confusing orientation-dependent arrows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of control deviceVSAvoidrisk of inappropriate movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device housing with its visual indicators acts as an intermediary safety mechanism that adds minimal complexity to the overall system while significantly improving reliability. The housing includes directional markings that mediate between the simple button arrows and the actual carriage movement direction, preventing operator error without complicating the button design itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical simplicity with optical/informational enhancement. Instead of making the buttons themselves more complex, the system uses visual communication displays that show directional patterns, replacing the need for complex mechanically-oriented arrow designs with a clearer optical reference system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3235772B1Handling system

Publication Date: 2018.10.31 SAFRAN AERO BOOSTERS SA

Figure 1~2

AI summary

A handling system comprising an overhead crane (3) with a lifting system (32). Movement of the lifting system (32) in a first direction (11), a second direction (12), potentially a third direction (23), and potentially a fourth direction (24), can be initiated by an operator via a control device (4) located near the overhead crane (3). Each direction (11, 12, 23, 24) of movement corresponds to a pattern (61-64) on the control device (4), and this pattern (61-64) is displayed on visual communication means (51-54) located on the walls of the handling system room.