Crane Status Lighting Control for Safer Remote Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane operations require operators to frequently shift their attention between the crane and a remote control, compromising safety and introducing operational inconveniences due to the need for continuous status monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A crane equipped with lighting devices that visualize its status and the vehicle's status using sensor data, controlled by visualization control circuitry to emit light based on sensor inputs, allowing continuous observation without diverting attention from the crane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator uses a remote control to operate the crane, then the operator can control the crane from a distance, but the operator must frequently shift attention between the crane and the remote control, compromising safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-changing LED lights mounted on the crane to indicate operational status (e.g., green for safe operation, yellow for warning, red for danger). This allows the operator to monitor crane status at a glance without diverting attention from the work area, resolving the contradiction between remote control operation and operator safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through status lights that reflect the current operational state of the crane. This continuous feedback loop enables the operator to maintain awareness of crane status while operating from a distance, eliminating the need to frequently check the remote control display
2Loss of information
If the operator monitors the remote control display for status information, then the operator receives detailed status data, but the operator cannot continuously observe the crane, introducing operational inconveniences
Solution Approach 1:
Different colors of status lights convey different levels of information about crane operation (e.g., green indicates normal operation, yellow indicates warning conditions, red indicates critical errors). This color-coded information system provides comprehensive status data through a single visual indicator, allowing continuous observation without sacrificing information quality
Solution Approach 2:
The status information is segmented into distinct visual indicators for different crane components and functions. Each light or set of lights represents specific operational parameters, allowing the operator to quickly assess overall status and specific issues without needing to interpret complex display data
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
Enhances safety and operational convenience by enabling continuous observation of the crane's status through integrated lighting, reducing the need to monitor separate devices for status indication.
Implementation Method 1
one or more lighting devices for visualizing a status of at least one of the crane and a vehicle holding the crane
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a crane. The crane includes one or more lighting devices for visualizing a status of at least one of the crane and a vehicle holding the crane. The one or more lighting devices are mounted to the crane. The crane further includes visualization control circuitry configured to receive at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane and second sensor data of one or more sensors of the vehicle. The visualization control circuitry is additionally configured to control light emission by the one or more lighting devices based on the at least one of the first sensor data and the second sensor data.