Hoisting Device Counterweight Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hoisting devices for heavy loads, such as aeronautical parts, face oscillations during lifting due to unknown or variable center of mass positions, potentially damaging equipment or injuring operators, and require complex two-bridge structures with adjustable counterweights.

Innovation Solution

A load hoisting device with a single support beam, sliding load carrying means, a counterweight, sensors, and motorized driving mechanisms that align the center of mass with the hoisting point using processing means to stabilize the load without prior knowledge of its position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a two-bridge structure with adjustable counterweights is used to stabilize loads, then the stability of the hoisted load is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of hoisted loadVSAvoidcomplexity of hoisting system
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the stabilization function from a complex two-bridge structure and implements it using a single bridge with a movable counterweight system. The counterweight is decoupled from the main hoisting structure and can be independently positioned along the beam to balance loads of varying centers of mass, eliminating the need for a second bridge while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The counterweight is designed to be dynamically adjustable along the support beam rather than fixed. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to different load configurations and center of mass positions, providing continuous stabilization capability without requiring multiple fixed structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the center of mass position is not known before hoisting, then the hoisting device can handle unknown loads, but oscillations occur during the hoisting process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle unknown loadsVSAvoidstability during hoisting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary stabilization by positioning the counterweight before the hoisting operation begins. The control system calculates the required counterweight position based on measured load parameters and adjusts the counterweight accordingly, ensuring the load is stabilized from the start of hoisting rather than requiring correction during the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the hoisting process and adjusts the counterweight position to maintain stability. Sensors detect load position and center of mass variations, and the control system responds by repositioning the counterweight to compensate for deviations, eliminating oscillations in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a single bridge structure is used instead of two-bridge structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to stabilize loads with unknown center of mass is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of hoisting systemVSAvoidability to stabilize unknown loads
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single bridge structure is designed with multi-functionality, combining hoisting and stabilization functions in one structure. The movable counterweight system serves dual purposes: it balances the load for stability and can be positioned to handle loads with varying centers of mass, providing the versatility previously requiring a two-bridge configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 stable hoisting and positioning of loads in the XY plane, preventing oscillations and ensuring safe operation by automatically aligning the center of mass with the hoisting point, thus reducing the risk of damage or injury.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor means in each load carrying means, each sensor means being capable of measuring the weight force held by the load carrying means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWeight force measurement: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

move the counterweight to a position such that the centre of mass of the system containing the load and the hoisting device is vertically aligned with the hooking point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational stabilization: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3034450B1Device for hoisting and controlling loads
Publication Date: 2018.02.07 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAU
  • EP3034450B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3034450B1 patent drawingFigure 2.1~2.2
  • EP3034450B1 patent drawingFigure 2.3~2.4

AI summary

Hoisting device (1) for hoisting a load (9), the hoisting device (1) comprising a support beam (2), two load carrying means (3, 4), able to be slid along the support beam (2) and being adapted to hold the load (9), at least one counterweight (5) able to be slid along the support beam (2), at least one sensor capable of measuring the weight force held by the load carrying means (3, 4), first driving means adapted to slide the load carrying means (3, 4), second driving means adapted to slide the counterweight (5), third driving means adapted to hoist the load (9), a hooking point (13) adapted to be hooked from a crane, and processing means adapted to receive the information produced by the sensor and adapted to operate the first driving means, the second driving means and the third driving means.