Crane Inertia Drive Flywheel Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crane loads tend to twist unintentionally due to low rotational resistance in hoist cable systems, making precise automated maneuvering and positioning difficult, especially at height, and poses risks to personnel and infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an inertia-based rotary drive with a flywheel mounted on the load hook, which generates torque through acceleration or braking, allowing for precise control of load rotation without transmitting significant torque to the hoist rope, combined with a quick-coupler mechanism for attaching end tools and an energy storage system for autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a rotary drive is provided for the load hook to enable automated maneuvering, then automation capability is improved, but the risk of excessive twisting of the hoist cable system and overloading of the rotary drive increases
Solution Approach 1:
A slip clutch is provided in the rotary drive train between the drive motor and the load hook to beforehand cushion excessive torque and prevent overloading of the rotary drive and excessive twisting of the hoist cable system
Solution Approach 2:
The slip clutch acts as an intermediary element in the rotary drive train that mediates between the drive motor and the load hook, allowing controlled slippage to protect the system from excessive twisting and overloading
2Ease of operation
If manual guidance with guide rope is used for load maneuvering, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of injury to personnel and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load hook with integrated rotary drive maneuvers the load autonomously without requiring manual guidance by personnel, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for guide persons
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical guidance system using guide ropes and personnel is replaced by an automated rotary drive system with motorized rotation control
3Ease of operation
If the load hook is designed to rotate freely to allow load maneuvering, then ease of operation is improved, but unintentional twisting due to wind loads and other factors worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The load hook rotation is changed from a statically free-rotating design to a dynamically controlled system where the rotary drive can actively control and adjust the rotational position, preventing unintentional twisting while maintaining maneuvering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The automated rotary drive system incorporates feedback control to monitor and adjust the rotational position of the load hook, preventing unintentional twisting caused by wind loads and external forces
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 automated maneuvering of loads without manual guidance, reducing the risk of twisting and damage, while allowing quick attachment and detachment of tools, and autonomous energy supply, enhancing safety and efficiency in load handling.
Implementation Method 1
The rotary drive is designed as an inertia drive and has a flywheel which is mounted on the load hook or load coupling part so as to be rotatable about the upright load holding axis of rotation and can be rotationally driven by a drive motor. If the drive motor accelerates or brakes said flywheel, a rotational pulse is generated on the load holding part in response to the principle of inertia
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a crane, for example in the form of a tower crane, telescopic boom crane or port crane, comprising a load holding means which is hinged to a hoist rope and by means of which rope can be lifted and lowered, the load holding means having a rotary drive for rotating a load coupling part with respect to a rope hinge part hinged to said hoist rope about an upright load holding axis of rotation. According to the invention, the rotary drive is designed as an inertia drive and has a flywheel which is mounted on the load hook or load coupling part so as to be rotatable about the upright load holding axis of rotation and can be rotationally driven by a drive motor.