Telescoping Crane Counterbalance Control for Shifting Payloads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telescoping cranes become unbalanced due to changes in payload position and orientation, leading to potential hazards during operation.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism with a computer-controlled counterweight carrier and actuator system adjusts the counterweight position independently of telescoping movements to maintain balance, using sensors to detect payload shifts and apply corrective torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the payload position or orientation changes during operation, then the crane arm becomes unbalanced, but maintaining balance requires complex counterweight adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a counterweight carrier that can be independently positioned along the crane arm to compensate for payload shifts. The counterweight carrier moves automatically based on payload position changes, creating a dynamic counterbalance system that maintains crane stability without complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight carrier is designed to move dynamically along the crane arm in response to payload position changes. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain balance continuously during operation, rather than requiring static pre-adjustment or complex mechanical linkages
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual counterweight adjustment is used, then the crane can be balanced initially, but it cannot adapt to dynamic payload position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor payload position and orientation. This feedback information is used to automatically control the counterweight carrier's position, enabling the crane to adapt to dynamic payload changes without requiring continuous manual intervention or complex operator actions
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight carrier system automatically adjusts itself based on payload position feedback, eliminating the need for manual counterweight adjustment during operation. The system serves itself by autonomously maintaining balance through automated counterweight repositioning
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
Maintains crane balance despite payload position changes, preventing unexpected movements and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
the computer controller controls an actuator to apply a corrective torque to the crane arm to compensate for the imbalance
Implementation Method 2
the sensor detects a position of a center of mass of the payload and a tilt angle of the crane arm
Data Source
AI summary
A telescoping crane has an adjustable, pivoting payload, and a counterbalance mechanism that automatically compensates for the position of the telescoping crane and movement of the payload relative to the crane.