Dynamic Cluster Safety Interlocking for Crane Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety interlocking systems for machines like crane hoists and bridges do not allow for dynamic control, where one operator control unit can manage multiple machine control units, leading to inefficiencies in coordinating safety across a group of machines.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with sub-addressing and an extended dynamic time domain multiple access (ED-TDMA) scheme to securely group and control a dynamic cluster of machines, allowing an operator control unit to define and manage a subset of machine control units, and using talkback messages for safety interlocking, enabling timely and coordinated stopping of machines if a failure occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional safety interlocking systems are used for multiple machines, then safety coordination is achieved, but system complexity and hardware requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The operator control unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of controlling multiple machine control units simultaneously through a single interface. This universal control capability eliminates the need for separate control systems for each machine, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety coordination across all controlled machines
Solution Approach 2:
The operator control unit serves as an intermediary device between the operator and multiple machine control units. It receives a single control input and distributes appropriate commands to multiple machines, mediating the control signals and coordinating safety interlocking without requiring direct point-to-point connections between all machines
2Productivity
If dynamic control of multiple machine control units is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but control precision and safety management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into hierarchical levels: the operator control unit handles high-level dynamic control decisions, while individual machine control units manage low-level execution and safety parameters. This segmentation allows dynamic control of multiple machines while maintaining precise control through distributed intelligence at each level
3Ease of operation
If static control assignments are used where each operator control unit controls only one machine, then control simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different operational configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control assignment is made dynamic rather than static. The operator control unit can be configured to control different combinations of machine control units based on operational requirements. This dynamic assignment maintains ease of operation through a consistent interface while providing adaptability to various operational configurations and scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
Accordingly, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of coordinated safety interlocking systems and methods of coordinating safety interlocking. In an exemplary embodiment, a system for providing coordinated safety interlocking between a plurality of machines is disclosed. The system generally includes a plurality of machine control units each configured to control at least one of the plurality of machines. The system also includes at least one operator control unit configured to define a dynamic cluster including a subset of the plurality of machine control units. The at least one operator control unit is configured to control safety interlocking between each machine control unit in the dynamic cluster. The system may be used to provide coordinated safety interlocking between various elements and/or machines, such as crane bridges and crane hoists, etc.