Crane Force Conversion Unit for Manual Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane systems require an additional control panel or remote control for operating electric motor drives, which can be cumbersome and limit the operator's ability to precisely and quickly position loads.
Innovation Solution
A force absorption and force conversion unit with two congruent plates aligned horizontally, connected by a linear guide system, allows operators to control electric motor drives by manually moving loads, converting mechanical force pulses into control signals for direction, speed, and path length without additional control elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote controls or control panels are used to operate electric motor drives, then the crane system can be controlled, but the operator cannot quickly and precisely position loads due to the cumbersome control process
Solution Approach 1:
The load itself serves as the control interface. When the operator manually moves the load, the force absorption and force conversion unit detects the mechanical force pulses generated by the operator's movements and automatically converts them into control signals for the electric motor drives. This eliminates the need for separate control devices and allows the operator to directly control the crane system through natural hand movements, significantly improving both ease of operation and positioning speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems (remote controls, control panels, joysticks) with a sensor-based detection system. The force absorption and force conversion unit uses sensors to detect mechanical force pulses generated by the operator's manual movements of the load, converting these physical movements into electronic control signals. This substitution of mechanical control with sensor-based detection enables more precise and faster control.
2Measurement precision
If additional control panels are required for controlling suspended loads, then precise control is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control function into the load handling device itself. The force absorption and force conversion unit, which is already part of the crane system's load handling mechanism, is equipped with sensors that detect the operator's movements. This integration eliminates the need for separate control panels or remote controls, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise control through the detection of mechanical force pulses.
Solution Approach 2:
The force absorption and force conversion unit serves multiple functions: it absorbs forces during load manipulation, converts mechanical movements into control signals, and provides the control interface for the electric motor drives. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated control devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise control capabilities.
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
Enables precise and fast positioning of loads by interpreting operator-induced force pulses, allowing control of direction and speed through manual load movement, eliminating the need for separate control devices and supporting heavier loads up to 500 kg.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor consists of a magnet arranged approximately centrally on the first plate over the length of the plate and one on the second Contact rail arranged on the plate, along which the magnet slides during the linear displacement of the plates
Data Source
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Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
Crane system (1) for transporting and, if necessary, lifting and lowering loads, comprising at least a longitudinal crane profile (2) attachable to supports and a carriage (3) displaceable along the longitudinal crane profile (2) with means (5) for receiving or holding loads, wherein the displacement of the carriage (3) along the longitudinal crane profile (2) is effected by means of an electric motor drive (4), characterized in that a force reception and force conversion unit (6) is arranged between the carriage (3) and the load-handling means (5), which is connected to the electric motor drive (4) for controlling it, which has at least one sensor (7) for detecting the mechanical force impulses generated by an operator when manually moving a suspended load for the direction and duration of the movement, and which further comprises an electronic control unit.which converts the detected force impulses into control signals for controlling the electric motor drive (4) and controls the electric motor drive (4) according to the detected and converted force impulses.