Crane Collision Avoidance via Dynamic 3D Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Crane operations are hazardous due to the difficulty in detecting moving obstacles and variable operating environments, leading to potential collisions between cranes and lifted objects, which existing virtual wall technologies cannot fully address.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a 3D imaging device to dynamically scan objects within the crane's operating range, providing real-time 3D spatial information to determine distances and trigger alarms, and control crane movements to avoid collisions, including moving obstacles and lifted objects, without the need for manual resetting of operating boundaries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If virtual wall technology with static operating boundaries is used, then the crane can be prevented from actively colliding with obstacles, but moving obstacles cannot be detected and the boundaries need manual resetting when the environment changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision preventionVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static virtual wall boundaries into dynamic detection zones by implementing real-time 3D scanning of the operating environment. The system continuously updates obstacle positions and recalculates safety distances, allowing the protective boundaries to adapt automatically to moving obstacles and environmental changes without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the 3D imaging device continuously monitors the environment, feeds real-time obstacle position data to the control system, which then adjusts the operating boundaries and provides alarm feedback to the operator. This continuous feedback cycle enables automatic adaptation to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple assistants are deployed to observe the surrounding environment, then collision detection capability is improved, but operational efficiency decreases and human resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental monitoringVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the crane to perform environmental monitoring autonomously through integrated 3D imaging devices and automated detection algorithms. The crane itself captures and processes environmental data without requiring external human observers, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining reliable collision detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of human assistants with an automated electronic detection system comprising 3D imaging devices, processors, and control algorithms. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple human observers while providing continuous, objective environmental monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the 3D imaging device scans dynamically to detect moving obstacles, then real-time obstacle detection is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoving obstacle detectionVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a multi-functional integrated platform where the 3D imaging device serves multiple purposes: obstacle detection, distance measurement, boundary calculation, and alarm triggering. By consolidating these functions into a single system rather than using separate dedicated devices, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive moving obstacle detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 safety by preventing collisions with moving obstacles and reducing the risk of accidents, while eliminating the need for manual resetting of operating boundaries, thus saving human resources and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

scanning dynamically, by a 3D imaging device, a plurality of objects within an operating range of the crane to obtain 3D spatial information of each of the plurality of objects

Methodology Applied
Scientific Effect3D imaging: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentEP3560881B1Method and system for controlling operation of crane, and crane
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 XUZHOU HEAVY MASCH CO LTD
  • EP3560881B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3560881B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3560881B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method and a system for controlling operation of a crane, and a crane, relating to the technical field of engineering machinery. The method includes: scanning dynamically, by a 3D imaging device, a plurality of objects within an operating range of the crane to obtain 3D spatial information of each of the plurality of objects, wherein the plurality of objects comprises the crane and an obstacle, and the 3D spatial information comprises 3D spatial coordinates; determining a distance from the obstacle to a preset position of the crane based on the 3D spatial coordinates of the crane and the obstacle; judging whether the distance from the obstacle to the preset position is less than a preset distance corresponding to the preset position; and performing an alarm if the distance from the obstacle to the preset position is less than the preset distance corresponding to the preset position. The present disclosure can improve safety of operation of a crane.