Crane Drive Control Using Compatibility Model for Oscillation Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crane operation methods struggle to effectively suppress load oscillations during the movement of goods, which can interfere with position control and anti-sway control modes.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for operating a crane that generates speed reference data to suppress oscillations, uses a compatibility model to determine position reference data compatible with speed data, and integrates this data into the crane's control system for seamless position and anti-sway control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If speed reference data is generated to suppress oscillations, then load oscillation suppression is improved, but compatibility between position control and anti-sway control modes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload oscillation suppressionVSAvoidcompatibility between position control and anti-sway control modes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges position control and anti-sway control into a unified control framework where speed reference data serves both control objectives simultaneously. The compatibility model integrates position reference data and speed reference data generation, allowing both control modes to operate harmoniously without interference, thus resolving the contradiction between oscillation suppression and control mode compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If position control mode is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but oscillation suppression capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidoscillation suppression capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the compatibility model continuously processes position reference data and speed reference data, adjusting control parameters to maintain both positioning accuracy and oscillation suppression. The feedback loop ensures that position control actions are coordinated with anti-sway control requirements, allowing precise positioning while suppressing load oscillations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If anti-sway control mode is implemented, then load oscillation suppression is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation suppressionVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts control parameters through the compatibility model, which processes both position and speed reference data. By changing control parameters adaptively based on the integrated model, the system maintains positioning precision while achieving effective oscillation suppression, resolving the trade-off between these two performance aspects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4159662B1Method for operating a crane, system and computer program element
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP4159662B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4159662B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for operating a crane, comprising the steps of: generating speed data for a drive unit of the crane such that oscillations of the crane are suppressed (S100); providing a compatibility model configured to describe a relation between input speed reference data of a drive unit of a crane and output position reference data of the drive unit of the crane (S110); determining position reference data of the drive unit of the crane by inputting the speed reference data into the compatibility model (S120); providing the position reference data of the drive unit of the crane to a control of the drive unit of the crane and controlling the drive unit of the crane according to the position reference data (S130).