Lifting Device Work Function Setup via Remote Configuration Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing procedures for configuring the work functions of lifting devices require direct access to the user interface of the control system, limiting flexibility and usability.

Innovation Solution

A procedure that allows configuration of at least one work function of a lifting device through a first user interface on a first device, which can be structurally and geographically separate from the control system, enabling remote configuration without direct access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If configuration is done via the control's user interface, then direct access to control functions is achieved, but accessibility and flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of configurationVSAvoidintegration with control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A configuration server is introduced as an intermediary component that mediates between the terminal device and the control system. The configuration server receives configuration requests from terminal devices, processes them, and communicates with the control system accordingly. This intermediary approach enables remote configuration access without requiring direct integration between the terminal device and control system, thus improving accessibility while maintaining system independence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal device is separate from the control system, then accessibility is improved, but direct control capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote configuration capabilityVSAvoiddirect control access
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration server is designed with multi-functionality to handle both configuration management and control coordination tasks. It can process configuration requests from multiple terminal devices, manage configuration data storage, and coordinate with the control system for implementation. This universal design allows the configuration server to bridge the gap between separate terminal devices and the control system, providing remote configuration capability while maintaining ease of operation through standardized interfaces.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4534467A1Method for configuring at least one work function
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 PALFINGER AG
  • EP4534467A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4534467A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4534467A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for configuring at least one working function of a lifting device (1), wherein: - pre-configuring (i) at least one working function of the lifting device (1) is carried out via a first user interface (21) on a first terminal device (11); - sending (ii) the pre-configuration of the at least one working function of the lifting device (1) from the first terminal device (11) to a configuration interface (3) of a controller (2) of the lifting device (1); - receiving (iii) the pre-configuration of the at least one working function of the lifting device (1) by the configuration interface (3) of the controller (2) of the lifting device (1); - configuring (iv) the at least one working function of the lifting device (1) by the controller (2) of the lifting device (1) according to the received pre-configuration