Gimbal Flywheel Load Control System for Continuous Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling the rotational movement and orientation of loads suspended in lifting cables are limited by the gyroscopic effect, which faces challenges in maintaining torque beyond 90 degrees and requires manual adjustments or auxiliary lines, posing safety hazards and inefficiencies, especially with heavy or large loads.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a lifting frame with multiple flywheel units arranged in gimbals, controlled by electric motors and tilting motors, allowing for individual speed and direction control of flywheels, and re-initialization methods to maintain continuous torque, including reducing speed, tilting, and reversing direction, to accurately orient loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If gyroscopic devices are used to control load orientation, then stabilization is achieved, but the torque direction reverses after 90 degrees requiring repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the flywheel control into multiple independent units, each capable of being tilted and repositioned separately. This allows one flywheel to be repositioned while others continue providing torque, enabling continuous operation without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary repositioning of flywheels before their torque direction would reverse. By monitoring flywheel angles and proactively repositioning them within the 0-90 degree range, the system maintains continuous torque in the required direction without interruption.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustments or auxiliary lines are used to control load orientation, then orientation control is achieved, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment methods with an automated gyroscopic control system using flywheels, tilting mechanisms, and electronic control. This eliminates the need for operators to manually handle heavy loads or use auxiliary lines, thereby removing the associated safety hazards while maintaining precise orientation control.
3Ease of operation
If flywheel speed is reduced for repositioning, then repositioning is possible, but torque production is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent flywheel units so that when one flywheel needs repositioning, others can continue providing torque. This segmentation ensures continuous torque production while allowing individual units to be repositioned as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic repositioning of flywheels during periods when other flywheels are providing torque. By cycling through multiple flywheels in sequence, the system maintains continuous torque while periodically repositioning individual units to maintain optimal angles.
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
Enables precise and continuous control of load orientation, reducing the need for manual adjustments and auxiliary systems, enhancing safety and efficiency by maintaining torque in the required direction, even when external forces disrupt rotation.
Implementation Method 1
The gyroscopic effect is well known in physics, and is based on the fact that if you apply a torque to a spinning object, the angular momentum will move in the direction of the torque. This means that if a torque τ is applied through the forces F in the vertical plane as shown in FIG. 1 the angular momentum L will move toward the torque and cause the spinning object to turn in the horizontal plane.
Implementation Method 2
The gyroscopic effect is well known in physics, and is based on the fact that if you apply a torque to a spinning object, the angular momentum will move in the direction of the torque.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the orientation of a hanging load, the system comprising a lifting frame (20) being connectable to a load to be lifted, on which lifting frame two or more flywheel units (9) are arranged, the flywheel units (9) each comprising a flywheel (10) rotary arranged in a gimbal (11) which again is rotary arranged in a gimbal support (15) along an axis of rotation (6) being perpendicular to the axis of rotation (8) of the flywheel (10), where an electric motor (12) is arranged for rotating the flywheel (10), and a tilting motor (13) is arranged to tilt the gimbal by rotating the gimbal about its axis of rotation (6), wherein the system further comprises a control unit for individually controlling the speed and the direction of rotation of the flywheels, and the tilting of the gimbals, the control system being adopted for re-initialization of a flywheel units (9) either by reducing the speed of rotation fully or partly, tilting the gimbals to a new starting position, and spinning up the flywheels again; or by stopping the flywheels and spinning up the flywheels in the opposite direction.