Crane Winch Stowage Detection and Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crane systems require manual operation to switch between modes and activate safety features, leading to potential malfunctions and damage due to operator inexperience, especially when the anti-two block system is incorrectly disabled or forgotten.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically detects the configuration of a crane winch assembly using sensors and actuators to switch modes and activate safety features based on whether the winch is stowed or not, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual mode switching is implemented, then operator control flexibility is improved, but operational reliability deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects winch configuration state and switches modes without operator intervention. The sensor monitors winch position and the controller autonomously activates crane mode or second mode, eliminating human error while maintaining operational flexibility through automatic adaptation to current configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor provides continuous feedback on winch configuration state to the controller. This feedback loop enables the system to detect when the winch is stowed versus deployed and automatically adjust operational mode accordingly, ensuring reliability through real-time monitoring and automatic correction.
2Ease of operation
If anti-two block system is manually disabled, then stowage operation is simplified, but safety deteriorates due to incorrect flag installation
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically disables the anti-two block system based on sensor detection of winch stowage state, eliminating the need for manual flag installation. This self-service approach maintains safety by ensuring the anti-two block system is disabled only when the winch is properly stowed, preventing incorrect disabling while simplifying the stowage operation.
3Reliability
If automatic mode switching is implemented, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor acts as an intermediary between the winch configuration state and the controller. This simple intermediary component provides the necessary information for automatic mode switching without requiring complex sensing systems, thereby improving safety while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (physically installing/removing anti-two block flags) with an automated sensor-based control system. This substitution eliminates complex manual procedures while introducing a relatively simple electronic sensing and control system that improves operational safety.
4Measurement precision
If winch configuration monitoring is automated, then mode detection accuracy is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor serves as a simple intermediary that directly detects the physical state of the winch configuration. This straightforward sensing approach achieves accurate mode detection by monitoring the winch's physical position without requiring complex measurement systems or algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detecting a configuration of a crane winch assembly and activating a mode of operation of an aerial device based at least in part on the configuration is shown and described herein. The aerial device may comprise a crane winch assembly with a sensor for detecting that the crane winch assembly is stowed or deployed. When the crane winch assembly is deployed, a crane mode of the aerial device may be active. When the crane winch assembly is stowed, an aerial mode of the aerial device may be active. Further, certain operations of the aerial device may be active and inactive based on an anti-two block system of the aerial device.