Crane Load Hook Positioning via Radio Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Revolving tower cranes face challenges in accurately and reliably determining the load hook position in real-time, especially under poor environmental conditions like fog and smoke, due to the limitations of existing camera-based systems and radio frequency methods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with at least three electromagnetic radio modules attached to the crane structure, including the load hook and spaced apart modules on the trolley and boom, which exchange radio signals to determine the load hook position using time of flight and angle determination methods, allowing for real-time positioning unaffected by environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If camera-based systems are used to detect load hook position, then visual monitoring is possible, but detection reliability deteriorates under poor environmental conditions like fog and smoke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection systems (cameras) with electromagnetic radio frequency modules for load hook position determination. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability to environmental factors like fog and smoke that impair optical systems, as radio waves can penetrate these conditions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from optical signals (camera-based) to electromagnetic radio frequency signals. This parameter change allows the system to operate reliably in adverse environmental conditions where optical detection fails, while maintaining real-time position determination capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple radio modules are used for position determination, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the position determination function across multiple distributed radio modules attached to different crane components (trolley, boom, load hook). Each module independently measures signal characteristics, and the control unit integrates these measurements to calculate precise three-dimensional position coordinates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central control unit that acts as an intermediary, receiving signal data from multiple distributed radio modules and performing the computational work of position determination. This mediator consolidates the complexity of processing multiple signals into a single centralized unit.
3Productivity
If real-time position determination is implemented, then productivity improves, but use of energy increases due to continuous signal exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic signal exchange between radio modules rather than continuous transmission. The control unit requests position data at specific intervals, and radio modules transmit signals only when needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining real-time operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio modules are designed to be self-powered through energy harvesting from the crane's existing electrical system, with each module managing its own power consumption independently. The system optimizes transmission power dynamically based on signal quality and distance requirements.
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 solution provides a reliable and precise determination of the load hook position in real-time, even in adverse conditions, by using radio signals that are not affected by fog and smoke, and facilitates accurate positioning even when the load hook is not vertically aligned with the trolley.
Implementation Method 1
determine the load hook position from this, with the radio module at the load hook exchanging signals with each of the at least two further radio modules, wherein the evaluation device determines the position of the load hook from the radio signals between the radio module at the load hook and the at least two further radio modules
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a crane, in particular a rotary tower crane (1), comprising a crane boom (3), from which runs a hoisting cable (6) connected to the load hook (7), as well as comprising a load hook positioning device (8) for determining the load hook position, wherein the load hook positioning device (8) has at least three electromagnetic radio modules (9) exchanging radio signals with one another, of which at least one radio module is attached to the load hook and at least two further radio modules are attached to the crane structure and/or in the environment of the crane in a spaced apart manner, as well as an electronic evaluation device for evaluating the radio signals and determining the position of the load hook from the radio signals.