Fixed-Wall Laser Positioning for Anti-Skew Crane Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser-based positioning systems for overhead cranes are prone to skewing when mounted on movable portions of the crane, leading to inaccurate distance measurements and potential safety hazards due to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
Mounting lasers on a fixed structure within the facility to generate beams that determine distances to reflectors on the crane, ensuring precise positioning by using anti-skew control logic to adjust the crane's alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the laser is mounted on the movable portion of the crane to enable positioning, then the crane can be controlled to move to desired locations, but the laser beam becomes skewed when rollers are not in sync, leading to inaccurate distance measurements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the laser on the movable crane portion, the patent inverts the arrangement by mounting the laser on the fixed facility structure and the reflector on the movable crane. This inversion eliminates the skewing problem because the laser remains stationary while still enabling crane positioning through the reflected beam.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual control is used with a person following the crane movement, then the crane can be operated flexibly, but the person may fall off catwalks or lose attention causing life-threatening movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the crane automatically positions itself using the laser and reflector system without requiring a human operator to physically follow and guide the crane movement, thereby eliminating safety risks to the operator while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical guidance system (person with control device following the crane) with an optical-based automatic positioning system using laser and reflector, eliminating the need for human presence in hazardous areas while maintaining crane control flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If the laser is mounted on the fixed structure to eliminate skewing, then accurate distance measurement is achieved, but the system complexity increases with additional mounting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed structure mounting provides multi-functionality: it serves as both the structural support for the facility and the mounting platform for the laser positioning system, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures on the crane and reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system maintains accurate crane positioning, reduces the risk of skewing, and enhances safety by ensuring the crane remains square relative to the rails, improving the precision and reliability of object lifting operations.
Implementation Method 1
the laser can get skewed if the rollers on each side of the crane are not in sync... the laser beam directed to the reflector generates a response that is reflected back to an optical receiver in the laser. The laser is then able to determine a distance based on the reflected beam.
Data Source
AI summary
A laser positioning system is used in association with a crane within a manufacturing facility. The laser positioning system includes a laser source that is mounted on an immovable or non-moving wall or surface in the manufacturing facility. The laser source on the wall or surface ensures that the laser beam does not skew out of square relative to the movement of the crane to various locations in the facility.