Integrated Hoist and Deployable Equipment for Load Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hoist systems lack integration with deployable equipment, leading to inefficient and hazardous operations during suspended load transport, particularly in environments with external forces and obstacles, resulting in instability and increased risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
An integrated hoist and deployable equipment system that dynamically controls suspension cable length, force, and load position using real-time data from the hoist and environmental sensors, allowing for autonomous or minimally assisted deployment and control of deployable equipment like SLCS, which can counteract unwanted motions and navigate obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hoist system operates without integration with deployable equipment, then the system structure remains simple, but operational safety and control precision deteriorate due to lack of real-time coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hoist system with deployable equipment (such as drones or robotic devices) into an integrated operational system. The hoist controller communicates with the deployable equipment controller to coordinate deployment, positioning, and retrieval operations in real-time, thereby improving operational safety through unified control while managing complexity through standardized communication protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system implements real-time feedback loops where sensors on the deployable equipment (position, orientation, status) continuously report to the hoist controller, and the hoist status (cable length, tension, winch position) is fed back to the deployable equipment controller. This bidirectional feedback enables adaptive coordination and enhances operational reliability
2Productivity
If manual control is used for deployable equipment deployment, then system complexity remains low, but productivity and response time deteriorate due to delayed human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable equipment is equipped with autonomous capabilities including self-navigation, self-positioning, and self-adjustment based on real-time sensor data. The equipment can independently respond to environmental conditions and hoist status changes without waiting for manual commands, significantly improving deployment speed and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-planning deployment trajectories, pre-positioning equipment, and pre-coordinating hoist operations before actual deployment begins. The controllers exchange mission parameters and constraints in advance, enabling faster execution with reduced real-time decision-making delays
3Stability of the object's composition
If real-time control of suspension cable dynamics is implemented, then load stability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated controller serves multiple functions: it manages hoist winch operations, coordinates deployable equipment movement, monitors cable dynamics, and adjusts positioning in real-time. By consolidating these control functions into a unified system with standardized interfaces, the patent achieves comprehensive load stability control while avoiding the complexity of separate dedicated control systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as cable length, winch speed, and deployable equipment position based on real-time feedback from sensors monitoring cable tension, load position, and environmental conditions. This adaptive parameter adjustment maintains load stability while using existing sensor and actuator capabilities rather than requiring complex additional hardware
4Adaptability or versatility
If deployable equipment is used to counteract unwanted motions, then operational versatility improves, but device complexity increases due to additional equipment and integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable equipment (such as drones or robotic devices) provides dynamic stabilization capabilities by actively adjusting position, orientation, and thrust in real-time to counteract unwanted motions like pendular swing or load rotation. The equipment's inherent dynamic capabilities enable it to adapt to various operational scenarios without requiring complex mechanical stabilization mechanisms on the hoist system itself
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are systems, apparatuses, and methods to deploy and stow a deployable equipment to and from a hoist, to control a load on a suspension without transfer of torque to the suspension cable, for the deployable equipment to obtain data and information from the hoist, and for the deployable equipment to control the hoist, such as a reel of a hoist, to control a z-axis of a terminal end of the suspension cable. Control of the z-axis may be, for example, to control an elevation of a load, such as relative to carrier, ground, or an objective or target, to control a tension on or of suspension cable. Control of the z-axis may be, for example, to control a rate of ascent or descent of a terminal end of suspension cable.