Suspension Crane Skew Detection and Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suspension cranes with two parallel running rails face challenges in preventing skewing of the crane bridge, requiring complex measurement and control technologies to correct the issue.

Innovation Solution

A simplified device and method that detects skewing by using a sensor device with two opposing stops and a plunger arranged between the crane bridge and running gear, which directly influences the drive control to correct skewing, allowing for accurate detection and correction without high accuracy demands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex measurement and control technologies are used to detect and correct skewing, then measurement precision and skewing correction accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskewing detection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic sensors and control systems with a simple mechanical detection device consisting of a sensor device that directly measures the skewed position of the crane bridge relative to the running gear. This mechanical approach achieves sufficient measurement precision without requiring complex electronics, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate skewing detection accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor device is integrated directly into the running gear structure, allowing it to self-measure the skewing of the crane bridge relative to itself. This self-referential measurement approach eliminates the need for separate complex measurement systems and reduces overall device complexity while providing accurate skewing detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If high accuracy sensor systems are implemented, then skewing detection precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskewing position detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple, inexpensive sensor device that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, rather than using expensive, high-precision electronic sensors. This approach prioritizes ease of manufacture and maintenance over maximum measurement precision, achieving sufficient skewing detection capability through a manufacturable mechanical solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By using a mechanical sensor device integrated into the running gear rather than complex electronic measurement systems, the patent achieves adequate measurement precision while significantly improving ease of manufacture. The mechanical design allows for simple fabrication and assembly without requiring sophisticated manufacturing processes.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3094589B1System for preventing a suspension crane from slanting
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 KONECRANES GLOBAL OY
  • EP3094589B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3094589B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(C)
  • EP3094589B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(C)

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for preventing a suspension crane from slanting, said suspension crane comprising two parallel suspended tracks, each of which forms a running surface for a driven travel gear, a crane bridge that is suspended on both sides on the travel gears, and a device for detecting a slant of the crane bridge, said device adjustingly intervening in the drive unit of one of the travel gears in order to eliminate the slant. The device senses the slant of the crane bridge in relation to one of the travel gears, wherefore the device is disposed between the crane bridge and said one travel gear.