Crane Control Interface for Automated Geometry Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane control systems lack user-friendly features to support operators in efficiently transitioning between parking and working positions, often leading to increased operational complexity and safety risks due to the need for manual control and lack of automated sequence management.
Innovation Solution
A menu-guided user interface that allows users to switch between operating modes, automatically controlling crane geometry to follow a predetermined sequence of movements, including pausing for safety checks and manual corrections, while ensuring consistent positioning and reducing the risk of unintentional operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a dead man's switch is used to activate and maintain the second operating mode, then the crane can be operated in automated sequence mode, but the operation becomes less comfortable and requires continuous user input
Solution Approach 1:
The menu-driven interface allows the user to pre-select and configure the automated sequence mode with desired parameters before execution. Once activated, the system maintains the automated state without requiring continuous user input, only a single activation command is needed. This resolves the contradiction by allowing full automation to be established through preliminary configuration.
2Ease of operation
If manual control is used to change crane geometry, then the user has full control over movements, but the operational complexity increases and safety risks arise from lack of automated sequence management
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts between manual and automated modes. In automated sequence mode, the system manages the complexity of sequence coordination automatically, while still allowing the user to switch to manual control when needed. The interface dynamically adjusts based on the operational mode, providing full control in manual mode and automated management in sequence mode, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated sequence of movements is implemented, then positioning consistency is improved, but the ability to manually correct intermediate positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sequence operates in periodic cycles with built-in pause points at intermediate positions. At these pause points, the system automatically halts and allows manual intervention if needed. After manual correction or confirmation, the automated sequence resumes. This periodic interruption mechanism maintains positioning consistency through automation while preserving manual correction capability when required.
4Reliability
If control elements are locked during automated sequence, then safety is improved by preventing unintentional operation, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides continuous feedback to the user about the automated sequence status, current position, and locked control elements. The menu-driven interface displays clear information about system state, allowing the user to understand when controls are locked and why. This feedback mechanism maintains safety through locking while compensating for reduced ease of operation by providing full situational awareness and control over the automated process.
Data Source
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Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a crane controller (10) for a crane (100), in particular a cargo crane, said controller having a first operating mode, in which the crane (100) can be user-operated by means of control commands from an operator and a second operating mode that can be activated by the operator, in which mode the crane geometry can be changed by the crane controller (10) in a pre-defined sequence of movements. The crane controller (10) has a menu-driven user interface (3), said interface (3) having a function (4, 5) which can be selected by the operator and by means of which the crane controller (10) switches from the first to the second operating mode.