Crane Load Braking Trajectory Prediction for Collision Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cable-guided loads in work machines experience significant swinging movements during abrupt braking, posing a risk of collisions with machine components and the environment, which can lead to operational disruptions, damage, and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A method for collision monitoring that predicts the braking trajectory of both the work machine components and the load, incorporating a computational model to account for the dynamic behavior of the load, allowing for early warning and prevention of collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If cable-guided loads are used in work machines, then productivity and handling capability are improved, but collision risk increases due to swinging movements during braking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling capabilityVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculation of the predicted braking trajectory of the load before actual braking occurs. By computing where the load will swing during braking based on current motion parameters and cable dynamics, the system can warn the operator in advance or autonomously intervene to prevent collisions, thus maintaining productivity while reducing collision risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The collision monitoring system continuously receives sensor data about the work machine's motion state and cable parameters, processes this information to predict load trajectory, and provides feedback to the operator or control system. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time collision prevention while maintaining the dynamic handling capabilities of cable-guided loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If sensors and cameras are installed on the work machine for collision monitoring, then collision detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of directly monitoring the load position with complex sensors and cameras, the system uses an intermediary computational approach: it calculates the predicted braking trajectory based on sensor data about the work machine's motion and cable parameters. This mathematical model acts as an intermediary that translates easily measurable parameters into collision risk assessment, reducing the need for complex direct monitoring equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical sensor arrangements (multiple cameras and sensors on the work machine) with a computational model that uses basic sensor data about motion and cable dynamics. By substituting physical monitoring complexity with mathematical prediction, the system achieves high measurement precision while minimizing device complexity

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

Enhances collision monitoring reliability by predicting and preventing collisions through early warnings and autonomous control, reducing the risk of operational disruptions and ensuring safety.

Implementation Method 1

a predicted braking trajectory of the load is calculated on the basis of the previously determined predicted braking trajectory of the defined point and additionally on the basis of a computational model which models the dynamic behaviour of the load or of the cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDynamic behavior modeling:

Implementation Method 2

The work machine comprises at least one sensor for detecting a current position and/or a current movement (this can be a current speed and/or a current acceleration) of at least one component of the work machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250368477A1Method for collision monitoring of a cable-guided load

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 LIEBHERR WERK NENZING

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for collision monitoring of a load which is fastened to a cable of a work machine, in particular a crane, wherein the work machine has a turntable that is rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation, a jib which is connected to the turntable and over which the cable is guided, and at least one sensor for detecting a current position and/or movement of at least one movable component of the work machine. According to the invention, a predicted braking trajectory of a defined point of the work machine is determined based on the sensor data, and a predicted braking trajectory of the load is calculated on the basis of the determined braking trajectory of the defined point and a computational model. The invention further relates to a work machine, in particular a crane, comprising a turntable that is rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation, a jib which is connected to the turntable and over which a cable is guided, and a control unit which receives data relating to a current position and/or movement of a load suspended on the cable, from at least one sensor of the work machine, wherein the control unit is configured to carry out the method according to the invention. The invention further relates to a corresponding computer program product.