Crane Counterweight Determination via Abutment Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane systems face errors in determining effective counterweight, leading to potential instability due to manual input errors during load torque restriction, which can result in unintended tilting or insufficient balancing during crane operations.
Innovation Solution
A force measurement device, such as a hydraulic cylinder and piston apparatus, is integrated into the crane to autonomously determine the counterweight by measuring forces at the abutment, allowing for a plausibility check and reducing reliance on manual operator input, with features like preloading springs and pressure sensors to ensure accurate and reliable measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual input of counterweight data by crane operator is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability of load torque limitation deteriorates due to potential error inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement of the counterweight using a force measurement device integrated into the abutment. The counterweight data is automatically determined by the crane control based on the measured force and lever arm length, eliminating the need for manual operator input and thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual input process is replaced by an automated measurement system. A force measurement device (such as a strain gauge or load cell) mechanically measures the force introduced into the abutment by the receiver, and the crane control automatically calculates the counterweight from this measurement, substituting human operation with automated sensing and calculation.
2Reliability
If automated force measurement device is integrated into abutment, then reliability of counterweight determination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force measurement device is integrated directly into the abutment structure, merging the measurement function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate, additional measurement equipment and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability in counterweight determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment serves dual functions: it provides structural support for the receiver and simultaneously houses the force measurement device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving accurate automated measurement.
3Reliability
If plausibility check is implemented using measured force, then reliability of load torque limitation is improved, but loss of time occurs during verification process
Solution Approach 1:
The force measurement device continuously or frequently measures the force in the abutment, and the crane control continuously compares the measured counterweight with the input data. This continuous verification process occurs in real-time during normal operation without requiring separate verification steps, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the measured force is continuously compared with the expected counterweight value. If a discrepancy is detected, the system can immediately alert the operator or take corrective action. This real-time feedback ensures reliability while the process occurs seamlessly during operation, minimizing additional time requirements.
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
The solution enhances the reliability of load torque limitation by accurately determining the counterweight without operator intervention, preventing errors and ensuring stable crane operations by continuously monitoring and calculating the effective counterweight based on measured forces and geometrical parameters.
Implementation Method 1
The force measuring device comprises a cylinder and piston apparatus that is in particular hydraulic
Implementation Method 2
at least one spring is provided that is configured to press the piston rod at least partly into the cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a crane having at least one apparatus for determining the effective counterweight of said crane comprising at least one receiver for receiving at least one counterweight body; at least one coupling that is configured to pivotably couple the receiver with the further structure of the crane; and at least one abutment that is configured to limit the pivot range of the receiver.