Crane Trolley Hoist Synchronization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane control systems face challenges in synchronizing trolleys and hoists efficiently, leading to uncontrollable load sway during movement, which increases operational time, reduces productivity, and causes operator fatigue, especially when dealing with misaligned trolleys and uneven hoists.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronizing first and second hoists and trolleys by designating one as a master and the other as a slave, using actuators to ensure synchronized movement, with a control system that levels hoists and squares trolleys, allowing for efficient control of load movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent controls are used to synchronize hoists and trolleys, then synchronization capability is improved, but operator complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent controls into a single integrated control system. The master control device sends synchronized commands to both the hoist and trolley, eliminating the need for operators to manually coordinate multiple independent controls. This merging approach maintains synchronization capability while significantly reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system introduces a master control device as an intermediary that coordinates between the hoist and trolley operations. This master controller acts as a mediator that receives operator input and distributes synchronized commands to both subsystems, ensuring coordinated movement without requiring the operator to manage multiple independent controls simultaneously.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical bridges are used to synchronize trolleys and hoists, then synchronization precision is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical synchronization bridges with an electronic control system. The master control device uses electronic signals to coordinate hoist and trolley movements, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages. This substitution maintains synchronization precision while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity and system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the synchronization function from the mechanical domain and relocates it to the control system domain. By separating the synchronization logic from the mechanical structure and implementing it through electronic controls, the system achieves precise synchronization without requiring complex mechanical bridges or linkages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operators manually synchronize hoists and trolleys, then adaptability to different conditions is improved, but operator fatigue and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides self-service by automatically managing the synchronization between hoist and trolley. The master control device autonomously coordinates movements based on operator commands, eliminating the need for operators to continuously adjust and synchronize multiple subsystems manually. This automation maintains operational flexibility while significantly reducing operational time and fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that allow the master control device to monitor and adjust hoist and trolley movements in real-time. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to different operational conditions automatically, maintaining versatility while reducing the time and effort required compared to manual synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transferring a load is disclosed. The method includes the steps of enabling synchronization of first and second hoists and first and second trolleys and choosing a hoist function or a trolley function. The first and second hoists are a first mover and second mover, if the hoist function is selected. The first and second trolleys are the first and second movers, if the trolley function is selected. The method includes the steps of commanding one of the first mover and second mover to be the master and the other to be the slave and actuating a master control associated with the master. The method further includes the step of outputting signals to the first and second actuators such that the master and the slave are moved in a direction indicated by the master control.