Crane Arm Distance Control for Safe Close-Range Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional crane systems lack sophisticated safety features to prevent accidents, particularly when operating in proximity to obstacles or workers, and existing solutions do not provide high operator safety and control during loading/unloading procedures.
Innovation Solution
A crane arrangement integrating a distance measurement system with user-defined controls and safety protocols that compare working distances to predefined safety thresholds, allowing for cautious operation modes and continuous monitoring to manage crane movements safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional crane systems operate without sophisticated safety features, then operator control and productivity are maintained, but safety and risk of accidents worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical safety monitoring with an automated distance measurement system using sensors (optical, acoustic, or electromagnetic) to detect operator position and calculate distance to the crane tip. This substitution of mechanical/ human-based safety monitoring with sensor-based automation directly improves reliability while managing complexity through technological replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously measures the working distance between the operator and the crane tip, compares it to predefined safety thresholds, and provides real-time feedback by limiting or stopping crane movements when safety thresholds are breached. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures safety while maintaining operational control, resolving the contradiction between safety improvement and system complexity.
2Reliability
If distance measurement and safety monitoring are implemented, then operator safety improves, but operational control and flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts crane operation parameters based on real-time distance measurements. When the operator is close to the crane tip, the system automatically limits or stops movements; when the operator moves to a safer position, normal operations resume. This dynamic adaptation maintains safety while preserving operational flexibility, resolving the contradiction between safety enhancement and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (crane movement limitations, speed restrictions, or complete stops) based on the measured working distance relative to safety thresholds. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to the operator's position, the system ensures safety without permanently restricting operational flexibility, thus resolving the contradiction between improved safety and maintained ease of operation.
3Reliability
If safety thresholds are strictly enforced, then accident prevention improves, but operational efficiency and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial safety measures by implementing distance-based limitations rather than complete operational bans. When the operator is within a safety threshold, the system limits or slows movements rather than completely stopping operations, allowing productive work to continue at reduced intensity. This partial action approach prevents accidents while maintaining operational efficiency, resolving the contradiction between accident prevention and productivity.
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
Enhances operational safety and control by preventing accidents through real-time distance monitoring and operator input, ensuring safe crane operations and efficient load handling.
Implementation Method 1
a distance measurement arrangement (16) configured to measure and determine a working distance (18) between the crane manoeuvring unit (10) and a predetermined location (20) located on the movable arm (6)
Data Source
AI summary
Crane arrangement arranged in relation to a vehicle, the crane arrangement comprising a movable arm comprising a plurality of crane booms including a final crane boom with a crane boom tip; a crane manoeuvring unit arranged to generate crane operation commands, such as commands for movements of the movable arm, based on received crane operation inputs by an operator of the crane arrangement; a distance measurement arrangement configured to measure and determine a straight line working distance between said crane manoeuvring unit and a predetermined location at said movable arm, and to generate a distance signal in dependence thereto, and a crane controller arranged to monitor and control the movements of the movable arm in response to crane operation commands received from the crane manoeuvring unit and of said distance signal from the distance measurement arrangement. The crane controller is configured to compare the working distance to a first predetermined safety distance, and if said working distance is shorter than said first predetermined safety distance, the crane controller is arranged to stop crane movements. The manoeuvring unit is configured to receive, from the operator, a crane operation input for continued operation, and if it is determined that said working distance is shorter than said first predetermined safety distance and if a crane operation input for continued operation is received by said manoeuvring unit, the crane controller is arranged to activate a cautious operation mode that enables restricted movements of the movable arm defined by a set of movement limitation rules.