Crane Jib Length Measurement via Signal Time-of-Flight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the overall length of a crane's jib, such as cable-guided and wireless systems, face issues with wear, weight, and interference, which compromise precision and safety during crane operation.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using elapsed-time measurement to determine the overall length of a crane's jib by feeding a signal from one point to another and calculating the length based on the time it takes, which is largely interference-free and wear-free, reducing weight and allowing for flexible determination of jib length regardless of its configuration or assembly state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cable-guided systems are used to determine jib length, then measurement can be implemented, but wear and additional weight occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejib length measurementVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-guided measurement system with an electromagnetic signal-based system. A signal is transmitted through the jib structure itself, and the elapsed time for signal transmission is measured to determine jib length. This eliminates the need for physical cables, thereby removing the associated weight while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the measurement function from the mechanical cable system and implements it separately through signal transmission. The cable is removed entirely, and only the essential measurement function remains, achieved through electronic signal timing rather than mechanical cable length measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If cable-guided systems are used to determine jib length, then measurement can be implemented, but wear occurs during service life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejib length measurementVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wear-prone mechanical cable system with an electronic signal transmission system. The signal passes through the jib structure without physical contact or friction, eliminating wear completely. This enhances reliability as the measurement system has no moving parts or cables that can degrade over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Weight of moving object

If wireless technology is used to determine jib length, then weight is reduced and wear is eliminated, but interference signals compromise safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem weightVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the jib structure itself as an intermediary medium for signal transmission. Instead of using wireless signals that can be interfered with by external sources, the signal is conducted through the jib's structural material, which acts as a shielded transmission medium. This eliminates susceptibility to external electromagnetic interference while maintaining the weight advantages of wireless technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If additional measures are implemented to prevent cable sagging, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejib length measurementVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for cable sagging prevention measures by replacing the cable-based system with signal transmission through the jib structure. Since no physical cable is used, there is no sagging to prevent, and consequently no additional complexity is required to maintain measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach provides a reliable, precise, and lightweight method for determining jib length, enhancing operational safety and security by reducing interference and allowing for real-time adjustments during crane operation.

Implementation Method 1

a signal is fed in at a first point on the jib and is detected at a second point on the jib

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the overall length is determined from the time required for the signal to pass from the first point to the second point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS9856119B2Measuring jib length of a crane

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 WIKA MOBILE CONTROL GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

Method for determining the overall length (GL) of a jib (1, 4) of a crane in a wear-free manner, characterized in that a signal is coupled in at a first point (2, 5) of the jib (1, 4) and is coupled out at a second point (3, 6) of the jib (1, 4), the overall length (GL) being determined from the time required for the signal to go from the first point (2, 5) to the second point (3, 6).