Crane Operation Support Device Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crane operation techniques combine control of multiple movable parts with different drive speeds, leading to reduced work speed and a lack of intuitive operation.

Innovation Solution

A crane operation support device that allows switching between a normal operation mode for independent control of boom derricking, turning, and lifting/lowering, and a fine adjustment mode where the hook's movement is operated through combined operations of boom turning and lifting/lowering via a single lever, maintaining intuitive operation while controlling movement speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If combined control of multiple movable parts with different drive speeds is performed, then intuitive operation is achieved, but work speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitive operationVSAvoidwork speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two operation modes: a first operation mode for normal operations where movable parts are controlled independently, and a second operation mode for fine adjustments where combined control is activated. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, providing intuitive combined control only when needed for precision work while maintaining high-speed independent control for routine operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The combined control of multiple movable parts is applied partially rather than continuously. The system activates the second operation mode with restricted movement speed and amount only when fine adjustment is required, rather than applying combined control to all operations. This partial application of combined control achieves intuitive operation for precision tasks while minimizing the impact on overall work speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Manufacturing precision

If combined operation mode is used for fine adjustment, then operational precision is improved, but movement speed is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational precisionVSAvoidmovement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The operation modes are segmented into distinct first and second modes with clearly defined functions. The first operation mode handles normal-speed operations with independent control of movable parts, while the second operation mode is specifically segmented for fine adjustment tasks with combined control and restricted speed. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters when switching between modes. In the second operation mode, movement speed and movement amount are restricted compared to the first mode. This parameter change enables precise control for fine adjustments while the system maintains the ability to operate at higher speeds in the first mode for routine tasks, thus achieving precision when needed without permanently sacrificing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation modes are provided, then operational versatility is improved, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoidmode switching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both operation modes through a unified control architecture. The same control device manages both the first operation mode with independent control and the second operation mode with combined control, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each mode. This universal approach provides operational versatility while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240208777A1Crane operation support device and crane
Publication Date: 2024.06.27 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD
  • US20240208777A1 patent drawing
  • US20240208777A1 patent drawing
  • US20240208777A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A crane operation support device that supports a driving operation of a crane that includes a boom, configured to be capable of switching a driving operation mode between a first operation mode in which each operation of lifting and lowering of a hook suspended from a tip of the boom and turning and derricking of the boom is independently operated, and a second operation mode in which a movement of the hook is operated by a combined operation of the turning of the boom and at least one of the lifting and lowering and the derricking of the hook by a single operation.