Crane Imaging System at Boom Tip for 360 View
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cranes with image capture systems have limited fields of view due to the arrangement of the image capture system on horizontally extending booms, which restricts visibility and requires adjustment mechanisms, and the systems are not adequately protected in transport positions.
Innovation Solution
The image capture system is positioned at the highest point of the boom, providing a 360° horizontal field of view without limitations, and is protected within the lifting column in the transport position, with cameras or a single camera using wide-angle optics, and a lighting device integrated into the boom for optimal illumination and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the image capture system is arranged on a horizontally extending boom, then the system can be positioned away from the crane column, but the field of view is limited by the boom structure
Solution Approach 1:
The image capture system is positioned at the highest point of the boom tip, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve an unobstructed 360-degree horizontal field of view, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms that would be required if the system were positioned on horizontal booms
2Area of stationary object
If the image capture system is positioned away from the crane column, then the field of view is improved, but the system is less protected in transport position
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the vertical extension of the boom to position the image capture system at the highest point, achieving both maximum field of view and protection during transport, as the retracted boom brings the system into the protective envelope of the crane column structure
3Area of stationary object
If the image capture system is arranged on the boom tip, then the field of view is maximized, but the system requires more space in extended state
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the image capture system at the highest point of the boom tip, achieving a 360-degree horizontal field of view without requiring increased lateral distance from the crane column, as the vertical positioning eliminates obstructions from horizontal booms and the crane column itself
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Crane (32) with an image acquisition system (2) arranged to be raised and lowered by a lifting device (1) for capturing an area of the crane's surroundings that is not directly visible to an operator of the crane (32), wherein the image acquisition system (2) is arranged on a straight boom (5) of the lifting device (1), wherein the image acquisition system (2) can be moved upwards by extending the boom (5) from a lifting column (4) and can be lowered into a transport position by retracting the boom (5) into the lifting column (4), in which the boom (5) is substantially completely within the lifting column (4) and the image acquisition system (2) is moved towards the lifting column (4), wherein the image acquisition system (2) is arranged on a tip of the boom (5) forming a highest point of the boom (5).