Electric Boom Lift Direction-of-Travel Control With Counterweight Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting devices, such as boom lifts, often rely on hydraulic systems that are noisy, environmentally harmful, and inefficient, lacking a comprehensive control system for precise maneuvering and visibility enhancement.
Innovation Solution
A fully electric boom lift system utilizing electric motors and actuators, integrated with a control system and cameras for enhanced maneuverability and visibility, eliminating hydraulic systems and incorporating a turntable for 360-degree access and a platform assembly for operator support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If hydraulic systems are used in lifting devices, then lifting capability is achieved, but noise and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic systems with an electric power system consisting of electric motors and actuators. This substitution eliminates hydraulic fluids and associated environmental hazards while reducing noise pollution. The electric system maintains lifting capability through coordinated operation of multiple electric actuators that control the boom and platform movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the hydraulic system from the lifting device, eliminating the source of noise and environmental harm. The hydraulic reservoir, pumps, and fluid circulation systems are completely removed and replaced with electric motor assemblies and control systems that do not produce the same harmful effects.
2Ease of operation
If traditional control systems are used, then basic operation is achieved, but precise maneuvering capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a comprehensive feedback control system using cameras mounted on the platform and base, along with sensors that provide real-time data about platform position, boom angle, and surrounding environment. This feedback is processed by a control system that continuously adjusts actuator commands to achieve precise positioning and maintain safety parameters, enabling accurate maneuvering despite the increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls boom elevation and rotation, manages platform positioning, processes camera feeds for obstacle detection, monitors safety parameters, and coordinates actuator operations. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into an integrated control architecture that improves precision while managing overall system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If hydraulic systems are used, then lifting function is achieved, but energy efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic power transmission system with direct electric motor actuators that convert electrical energy to mechanical motion more efficiently. Electric motors have higher energy conversion efficiency compared to hydraulic systems, which suffer from fluid friction, leakage, and heat generation. The electric actuator system maintains full lifting capability while reducing energy consumption and improving overall system efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle can include a chassis. The vehicle can also include a turntable. The turntable can be rotatably coupled to the chassis. The turntable can include a counterweight. The vehicle can also include a boom assembly. The boom assembly can have a proximal end portion coupled to the turntable and a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion. The vehicle can also include a camera directly coupled to the counterweight. The camera can have a field of view extending away from the boom assembly.