Crane Control Device Optimizing Waste Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques for automating crane operations in waste incineration plants are insufficient, leading to uneven waste properties and unstable combustion due to reliance on operator experience and intuition, especially in smaller plants where space constraints increase mixing time and reduce homogeneity.

Innovation Solution

A calculation device and method that utilize a genetic algorithm to generate an operation schedule for the crane, optimizing waste mixing by setting constraints, generating genes for operation patterns, and selecting patterns that improve fitness based on evaluation functions to achieve a predetermined mixed state without relying on operator experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional color-based mixing methods are used, then color homogeneity is improved, but waste property homogeneity cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor homogeneityVSAvoidwaste property homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the evaluation parameter from color (visual property) to waste property (compositional property). The system evaluates waste properties using multiple parameters such as calorific value, moisture content, and composition, then determines optimal mixing operations based on these property evaluations rather than color matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Extent of automation

If automatic crane operation is implemented without practical evaluation indexes, then automation is improved, but mixing effectiveness cannot be evaluated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidmixing evaluation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a feedback mechanism where the system evaluates the current waste property state, compares it with the target homogeneous state, and automatically adjusts crane operations based on the evaluation results. The evaluation function provides continuous feedback on mixing effectiveness, enabling closed-loop automatic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces operator intuition and experience-based decision making with an automated evaluation system that uses computational algorithms to assess waste properties and determine optimal mixing strategies. The evaluation function substitutes human judgment with objective, quantifiable measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If waste pit size is reduced to decrease plant cost, then production cost is improved, but mixing time increases and homogeneity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidmixing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements dynamic crane operation scheduling that adapts to the specific geometry and fill level of the waste pit. The system dynamically determines optimal pickup and discharge locations, transfer paths, and operation sequences based on real-time waste distribution, enabling efficient mixing in constrained spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of the waste pit state and pre-plans the optimal mixing operation schedule before execution. By预先 determining the most effective mixing sequence and crane movements based on current waste distribution, the system maximizes mixing efficiency within the available time and space constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3450845B1Calculation device, control method for calculation device, control program, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 HITACHI ZOSEN CORP
  • EP3450845B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3450845B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3450845B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A crane control device (50) includes a first-generation gene generating section (62) that generates a gene indicating an operation pattern of a crane (14), and an optimization calculation section (63) that selects, based on an evolutionary algorithm in which fitness evaluation of genes and update are repeated, a gene indicating an operation pattern for causing waste to have a predetermined state.