Crane Load Stabilization via Optical Rotation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cranes face challenges in safely transporting loads due to vibratory movements, particularly skew movements, which are influenced by crane movements and external factors like wind, requiring reliable methods to stabilize the load during transport.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses optical detection devices to monitor the rotation angle and time derivatives of the load, coupled with adjustable cable lengths controlled by hydraulic cylinders, to influence the rotational movement of the load based on a mathematical model and geometry of the suspension system, ensuring stable transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual control by crane operator is used to influence rotational movement, then operational flexibility is maintained, but reliability and safety depend on operator skills and experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidsafety dependence on operator skills
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously detects the current rotation angle and angular velocity of the load, feeds this information back to the control unit, which then automatically adjusts the cable lengths to counteract rotational movements. This closed-loop feedback system replaces manual operator intervention with automated control, ensuring consistent safety regardless of operator skill level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual control system with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, control units, and actuators to automatically influence the load's rotational movement, eliminating dependence on human operator skills while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If cable length adjustment devices are added to individually adjust each cable, then rotational movements can be reliably influenced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational movement controlVSAvoidnumber of adjustment devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the load suspension into multiple independent cable segments, each with its own adjustment device. This segmentation allows independent control of each cable's length, enabling precise influence on the load's rotational movement while maintaining modular simplicity in the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamically adjustable cable lengths through actuators that can change the suspension geometry in real-time. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to varying load conditions and actively counteract rotational movements, improving reliability without requiring overly complex fixed structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If optical detection devices are used to monitor rotation angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation angle detectionVSAvoiddetection device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical angle measurement devices with optical detection systems such as cameras or optical sensors. These optical devices provide high-precision measurement of the load's rotation angle and angular velocity without requiring complex mechanical linkages or contact-based measurement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical detection device acts as an intermediary that non-contactively measures the load's rotational state by detecting visual or optical signals. This intermediary approach enables precise measurement without direct mechanical interaction, reducing the complexity of the measurement system while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method effectively stabilizes the load during transport by individually adjusting cable lengths, reducing the impact of external influences and ensuring safe load handling, even under windy conditions.

Implementation Method 1

on the crane there is in particular an optical detection device, via which a rotation angle of the load and/or at least one of the time derivatives of the rotation angle can be detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the load being suspended from the crane via cable-like fastening means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 3

the load being suspended from the crane via cable-like fastening means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 4

the rope-like fastening means are connected to adjustment devices via which the length of the rope-like fastening means can be individually changed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2878566B1Method for influencing a movement of a load lifted by a crane
Publication Date: 2016.02.17 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2878566B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2878566B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2878566B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method used for influencing movement of a load, the load is suspended on a crane so that at least one of at least four crane suspension points arranged on the crane is connected with one of at least four load suspension points arranged on the load through at elast one rope type fixing device, the fixing devices are connected with adjusting devices, the length of the fixing devices between the suspension points can be separately changed through the adjusting devices, an optical detection device is arranged on the crane, a rotation angle and/or at least one time derivative of the rotation angle of the load can be detected through the detection device when the load performs rotational motion around a vertical axis, the rotation angle and/or the derivatives are detected, a rated value used for the adjusting devices is calculated by use of a mathematical model under the condition of taking into account the geometrical shape of a load suspension structure, and the adjusting devices are controlled to reach the rated value. The invention also relates to a crane.