Crane Swivel Buzzer Feedback Using Actual Rotation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cranes with bleed-off circuits face challenges in accurately determining the amount of operation of the swivel body due to load fluctuations and environmental conditions, making it difficult for workers to grasp the swiveling operation, especially when the working radius is large.

Innovation Solution

An informing device is mounted on the crane that includes a first detection unit to detect the actual amount of rotation of the drive device and a notification unit to provide a notification corresponding to the detected rotation, using a buzzer sound to inform the worker of the swiveling direction and speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a bleed-off circuit is used to operate the swivel body, then the swivel body can be controlled to swivel, but the amount of operation of the operation lever at which the swivel body starts swiveling fluctuates depending on load fluctuation, environmental fluctuation, or pump flow rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswivel body operationVSAvoidoperation lever operation amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism by detecting the actual swiveling amount of the swivel body and providing this information back to the operator. The detection unit measures the swiveling angle, and the notification unit communicates this information to the operator, creating a closed-loop feedback system that compensates for fluctuations in the bleed-off circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces reliance on mechanical operation lever measurement with an automated detection system. Instead of depending on the operator's mechanical operation of the lever, the system uses sensors to detect the actual swiveling amount and notifies the operator accordingly, substituting mechanical measurement with automated sensing and communication.

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

2Length of moving object

If the working radius of the crane is large, then the crane can reach further distances, but the position of a suspended load fluctuates greatly even though the amount of swiveling of the swivel body is small

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking radiusVSAvoidswivel body swiveling amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit continuously monitors the actual swiveling amount of the swivel body and provides feedback through the notification unit. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to perceive even small swiveling amounts that would otherwise be imperceptible, compensating for the amplified position fluctuations caused by large working radius.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The notification unit provides visual or auditory signals that change or activate based on the detected swiveling amount. These changes in notification state provide the operator with clear feedback about the swiveling condition, making it easier to grasp the swiveling amount even when the physical movement is small.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Device complexity

If visual information and experience are used to confirm swivel body swiveling, then no additional equipment is needed, but it is not easy to grasp the swiveling of a swivel body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswiveling detection systemVSAvoidswivel body swiveling recognition
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the operator's visual inspection and experience-based judgment with an automated detection and notification system. The detection unit measures the swiveling amount objectively, and the notification unit communicates this information clearly to the operator, replacing subjective visual estimation with objective measurement and communication.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The notification unit acts as an intermediary between the swivel body's actual movement and the operator's perception. Instead of relying on direct visual observation of the swivel body, the notification unit mediates the information transfer, providing clear and unambiguous feedback about the swiveling condition to the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3828123B1Informing device, work vehicle, and informing method
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 TADANO LTD
  • EP3828123B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3828123B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3828123B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An informing device is an informing device mounted on a work vehicle that includes a lower base body, and a swivel body swivelably provided at the lower base body. The informing device includes a first detection unit that detects the actual amount of rotation of a drive device which swivels the swivel body or a driven part driven by the drive device, and a notification unit that issues a notification regarding information corresponding to the amount of rotation detected by the first detection unit.