Crane Display Unit for Real-Time Load Capacity Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cranes mounted on vehicles lack the ability to reliably indicate safe operating conditions, particularly in non-maximum stability scenarios, making it difficult for users to determine if operations are being performed safely and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A crane with a display unit that shows the number of extended sliding members and their angular positions, providing real-time information on the maximum load that can be lifted, allowing users to operate safely and efficiently by displaying the values on a screen page with symbols and zones indicating the load capacity based on arm extension and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the crane provides detailed real-time information on operating capacity and arm configuration, then the user can operate safely and make informed decisions, but the device complexity increases due to the addition of display units and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The crane system continuously monitors arm extension position, angular rotation, and stabilizing configuration through sensors, and feeds this information back to the display unit in real-time. This allows the user to see the current operating capacity and arm configuration, enabling safe operation decisions without increasing physical system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical indicator systems with electronic display and control units. Instead of using physical gauges, dials, or mechanical linkages to indicate arm position and load capacity, the system uses digital screens and microprocessors to provide real-time information, reducing mechanical complexity while improving reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the crane operates in non-maximum stability conditions, then the crane can be more versatile and adaptable to different working scenarios, but the risk of overturning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit shows the current stabilizing configuration status and indicates the maximum load capacity for the present configuration. This feedback mechanism allows the user to understand the current stability margin and make informed decisions about whether to proceed with operations in non-maximum stability conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and displays the maximum load capacity for each possible arm extension and rotation combination. Before the user attempts to lift a load, the system already knows and displays the safe operating limits for the current configuration, allowing preliminary assessment of safety
3Productivity
If the crane provides comprehensive real-time information on arm position and load capacity, then the user can operate faster and more efficiently, but the ease of operation decreases due to the complexity of interpreting the information
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit presents information in localized, context-specific formats. Instead of showing all possible parameters simultaneously, the display shows only the relevant information for the current operating state - such as the current maximum load capacity, current arm position, and stabilizing configuration status - making the information easy to interpret at a glance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual indicators such as colored zones or highlighted symbols on the display to convey critical information quickly. For example, different colors may indicate different stability levels or load capacity ranges, allowing the user to instantly grasp the operational status without complex interpretation
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a crane (10) for moving loads (13), in particular mounted on a respective movable transport vehicle, preferably in the form of a vehicle movable on the road, in particular the vehicle being in the form of a truck (11) which has a respective box for supporting the load (111) in which is positioned the crane (10). The crane (10) comprises an arm (12) for supporting the load (13) which is telescopically movable in a plurality of positions of extension included between a retracted position and a position of maximum extension and which comprises a plurality of sliding members (121). The supporting arm (12) is rotatable angularly, in particular horizontally, relative to a respective axis of rotation (P) of the crane (12) and it can be positioned in different angular positions of rotation. The crane (10) also comprises means (14) which are designed to stabilise the crane (12) to avoid the risk of overturning during the working operations of the arm (12), the stabilising means (14) being configurable in a plurality of stabilising configurations of the crane (12). There are means (18) which are designed to indicate, in particular to the user of the crane (10), the maximum load which can be lifted by the crane, that is to say, by the arm of the crane (10), as a function of the condition of extension of the arm (12) and/or the respective angular position of rotation of the arm (12).