Crane Handling Device Sensor Alignment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load-handling cranes require significant manual effort to operate, especially when handling heavy loads, leading to operator fatigue and potential misalignment of the suspension element, which can result in unintended crane movements.
Innovation Solution
A system where a handling device is attached to a section of the hoist's suspension element that hangs down from the travel plane, allowing operators to manipulate the device with one hand to trigger control commands and align the suspension means, while a sensor system determines the orientation to specify the direction of travel, eliminating the need for manual deflection and reducing operator effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handling device is attached to the suspension element in a load-bearing manner, then the operator can control the crane with one hand, but significant manual effort is required to manipulate heavy loads, leading to operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical coupling between the handling device and suspension element with an optical sensing system. The sensor system detects the alignment of the handling device independently of the suspension element's physical position, allowing control commands to be triggered without physically moving or deflecting the suspension means. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to exert force to deflect heavy loads for control purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor system as an intermediary between the handling device and the control system. Instead of directly coupling the handling device's physical deflection to control commands, the sensor system measures the alignment and translates it into control signals. This intermediary decouples the mechanical effort required from the control function, allowing precise control without significant manual force.
2Ease of operation
If the handling device is manually deflected to specify direction of travel, then control commands can be triggered, but the suspension element may become misaligned, resulting in unintended crane movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system with an optical sensing system. Instead of relying on the physical deflection and alignment of the suspension element to specify travel direction, the sensor system optically detects the handling device's alignment and converts it into directional control signals. This eliminates the risk of unintended movements caused by mechanical misalignment while maintaining intuitive directional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system provides continuous feedback on the handling device's alignment relative to the suspension element. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to accurately determine the intended direction of travel without physically deflecting the suspension means, preventing misalignment and unintended crane movements while maintaining precise directional control.
3Ease of operation
If the handling device is rotated to align with the desired direction of travel, then the direction can be specified, but the rotation may cause unintended deflection of the suspension means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor system as an intermediary that measures the handling device's alignment independently of its physical coupling to the suspension element. The sensor system translates the handling device's rotational position into directional control commands without requiring the suspension means to physically deflect or rotate. This decouples the directional specification function from the load-bearing suspension function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control function from the load-bearing function. The handling device is attached to the suspension element in a load-bearing manner for structural support, while the sensor system separately detects alignment for control purposes. This segmentation allows the handling device to serve dual purposes without requiring complex mechanical coupling mechanisms that would increase device complexity.
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 system enhances safety and reduces operator fatigue by allowing precise control of the crane's movements with less manual effort, even when handling heavy loads, by decoupling the handling device's rotation from the suspension means, thus preventing unintended deflections and ensuring accurate direction control.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor system for determining an alignment of a section of the suspension element hanging down from the driving plane
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for operating a load-handling crane (1), the hoist (8) of which is movable on a movement plane (E) by means of a drive of the crane (1), having a handling device (10) for operating the crane (1), said handling device (10) being intended and designed to be fastened to a liftable and lowerable suspension element (9) of the hoist (8), and having a sensor system (20) for determining an orientation of the suspension element (9) and/or of a part fastened to the suspension element (9), in particular of the handling device (10) and/or of a load-handling attachment (9a), wherein the system has an operating element (16, 16a, 16b), which cooperates with the sensor system (20) such that, as a result of the operating element (16, 16a, 16b) being actuated, a control command for activating the drive is able to be triggered, with the result that the hoist (8) is movable by means of the drive in a direction of travel on the movement plane (E), and the direction of travel is dependent on an orientation determined by means of the sensor system (20). In order to configure in particular the handling even of relatively large loads, in particular during assembly and transfer operations, such that it involves less effort for an operator (13) of the crane (1) and is more efficient and safer, the invention proposes that the sensor system (20) be designed to determine that orientation of a portion of the suspension element (9) hanging down from the movement plane (E) and thus extending in the direction of gravity, and/or of the part fastened thereto, that is variable by rotating the portion or part about a rotational axis (z1) extending in the direction of gravity. The invention also relates to a load-handling crane (1) having such a system and to a method for operating a load-handling crane (1).