Multi-Axis Crane Handle Control for Intuitive Precision Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crane control systems, particularly for gantry cranes, are complex and require high operator concentration due to the need to operate multiple joysticks simultaneously for precise and high-speed movements, making intuitive operation and learning difficult.
Innovation Solution
A crane control system with a handle that is pivotable and displacable in multiple directions, including rotations, allowing for intuitive specification of crane movements through a single input device, enabling six degrees of freedom, and using sensors to generate electrical signals for controlling actuators based on handle adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple joysticks are used to control crane movements, then the crane can achieve high travel speeds and precise movements, but the operation becomes complex and demands high operator concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single handle that can be adjusted in multiple directions (azimuth and elevation). Instead of requiring separate joysticks for different crane movements, the single handle integrates control for radial, tangential, and vertical movements, reducing the number of devices the operator must manipulate while maintaining precise control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed with multi-functionality, where a single device can control multiple degrees of freedom of the crane. By allowing the handle to pivot in azimuth and elevation directions, it can generate control signals for radial movement, tangential movement, and vertical movement, making one device perform the work of multiple specialized joysticks
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple joysticks are used for crane control, then complex overlapping movements can be achieved, but the learning time increases and operation becomes less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds angular dimensions to the handle control mechanism. Instead of linear joystick movements, the handle can pivot in azimuth (horizontal angle) and elevation (vertical angle) directions. This dimensional transformation makes the control more intuitive by mapping spatial angles directly to crane movement directions, reducing the cognitive load and learning time required
3Ease of operation
If a single input device is used to control multiple crane movements, then operator complexity is reduced, but the device must have multiple degrees of freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The handle mechanism is segmented into distinct rotational joints: an azimuth pivot for horizontal rotation and an elevation pivot for vertical rotation. Each joint can be independently controlled, allowing the handle to achieve complex spatial orientations through combination of simpler rotational movements, making the complexity manageable and modular
Data Source
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AI summary
Crane controller (1) for controlling travel movements of a crane (30), in particular a portal crane, wherein the crane controller (1) comprises control electronics (2) and at least one input device (3), connected to the control electronics (2), having a grip part (4), wherein a main axis (5) of the grip part (4) is swivellable together with the grip part (4) in at least two swivel directions (14, 15) oriented, in particular orthogonally, in relation to one another and the control electronics (2) are able to generate electrical signals, for actuating at least one actuator (9, 10) of the crane (30), on the basis of an adjustment of the grip part (4) relative to an original position of the grip part (4), wherein the grip part (4) has its main axis (5) additionally displaceable in at least two, preferably three, different displacement directions (17, 18, 19) relative to the original position and/or is rotatable about the main axis (5), and the control electronics (2) are able to generate electrical signals for actuating the at least one actuator (9, 10) of the crane (30).