Handheld Crane Controller Display for Direction and Worker Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crane operators using hand-held controllers lack sufficient information, leading to difficulty in operation and increased accident risk due to the need to look up at high-mounted display devices while checking the controller.
Innovation Solution
A crane system with a display unit integrated into the controller that provides text and image-based information, allowing operators to maintain focus on their surroundings and reducing the risk of accidents by integrating intuitive direction displays and safety alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a display device is mounted high up (e.g., on the ceiling or boom), then information can be provided to the operator, but the operator must look up at the display while checking the controller, making operation difficult and reducing safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display device with the controller into a single integrated unit. The display is mounted on the controller housing, allowing the operator to view crane status information and control functions simultaneously in one location, eliminating the need to look up at separate ceiling-mounted displays while holding the controller
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary carrier that brings the display function directly to the operator's hand. By mounting the display on the controller, the system creates a mobile information interface that moves with the operator, providing continuous access to crane status without requiring the operator to change their line of sight or posture
2Reliability
If alarm devices are installed on the ceiling to display movement direction and provide audio alerts, then safety is improved, but operators must concentrate on the load in front of them, making it very difficult to check the alarm device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alarm and safety information display functions with the controller that the operator already holds. Direction indicators, audio alerts, and crane status information are integrated into the controller interface, allowing the operator to monitor safety conditions without diverting attention from the load
Solution Approach 2:
The display and control functions are placed at the same level and location (in the operator's hand), creating an equipotential interface that requires no change in operator posture or attention distribution. The operator can view safety information and control the crane from the same position without looking up or shifting focus
3Loss of information
If a display device is attached to the hoist high up, then information about crane position and status can be provided, but the operator must look up at the display device located high up while checking the controller in hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple information functions (crane status display, direction indicators, alarm alerts) into the single controller unit. This integration eliminates the need for operators to look up at separate displays mounted on the hoist or ceiling, allowing continuous monitoring of crane status while maintaining focus on the controller and load
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] Improve safety when operating overhead cranes. [Solution] A display 137 capable of displaying characters, images, etc. is attached to a controller 130 for operating the crane. When an operator OP operates a crane, the control device 140 of the crane system acquires operation details such as instructions on the direction of movement from the controller 130, as well as position information from the mobile terminals S1 to S3 of workers P1 to P3 other than the operator who are within the facility. Then, the display 137 of the controller 130 displays information to assist in the operation of the crane, such as an arrow indicating the direction of movement of the crane and the positions of the workers P1 to P3. If the direction of movement is displayed, the operator can easily notice when he or she has directed the crane in the wrong direction. Furthermore, if the positions of the workers P1 to P3 are displayed, the risk of coming into contact with these workers can be avoided. By displaying various information on the display 137 in this way, the safety of the crane system can be improved.