Four-Dimensional Crane Rail Measurement Using Non-Contact 3D Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for surveying overhead crane runway rails require downtime and human access, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, as they are not suitable for non-contact measurement and do not account for the relative positioning of crane bridge girders.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact rail survey system using a 3D laser scanner mounted on a stationary support base to collect data on crane runway beams and rails, processing it to determine alignment and deviations without interrupting crane operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional contact-based surveying methods are used, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but crane operations must be suspended and human access is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based surveying instruments with a laser scanner system that uses optical fields to perform non-contact measurements. The laser scanner emits laser beams to scan the runway rails and collects reflection data to determine alignment parameters, eliminating the need for physical contact with the rails and allowing crane operations to continue uninterrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser scanner as an intermediary device mounted on a movable platform to bridge the measurement needs and operational continuity requirements. This intermediary system captures rail alignment data through optical means without requiring crane shutdown or direct human access to the rails during operation.
2Loss of information
If traditional surveying methods are used, then rail alignment data can be collected, but downtime and increased costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by implementing a surveying system that collects rail alignment data without interrupting crane operations. The laser scanner can measure rails while the crane continues to move and operate, maintaining continuous productive action while gathering necessary measurement data for alignment assessment.
3Productivity
If non-contact measurement is implemented, then operational continuity is maintained, but measurement of relative positioning of bridge girders becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal laser scanning system that can measure multiple parameters including rail alignment, bridge girder positioning, and structural component dimensions through a single non-contact platform. The system captures spatial coordinates of various crane components and uses computational methods to determine relative positions, making the measurement process more versatile despite the non-contact constraint.
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
Enables efficient, accurate, and safe measurement of crane rail alignment and structural components, allowing for timely engineering analysis and repair planning without suspending crane operations.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring a point cloud of a segment of the crane runway beam using a 3D laser scanner
Implementation Method 2
3D laser scanner...to collect data on crane runway beams and rails
Data Source
AI summary
A system for conducting a non-contact survey of an overhead crane runway system using a survey apparatus that is alternately located in the crane bay or on a crane bridge girder. Disclosed more particularly is a system for testing an overhead crane runway beam 3D alignment or an overhead crane runway rail 3D alignment using a 3D laser scanner.