Load Orienting Device Using Propeller Airflow for Crane Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cranes struggle to maintain load orientation during transport due to spinning, which poses safety risks and complicates positioning, and existing solutions like gyroscopes are complex and delayed in generating sufficient torque.

Innovation Solution

A load orienting device with movable posts and propellers, controlled by a controller that adjusts rotation speed to counteract unwanted rotation and maintain desired orientation, using airflow to stabilize the load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If tag lines are used to prevent load spinning, then load orientation stability is improved, but labor cost and safety risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload orientation stabilityVSAvoidlabor cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical tag line system with an aerodynamic system using propellers that generate airflow to counteract load rotation. The controller activates propellers to create air currents that push against the load, stabilizing its orientation without requiring personnel to physically handle tag lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing airflow environment (wind) to stabilize the load by positioning propellers that generate counteracting air currents. The load's own exposure to air flow becomes the mechanism for stabilization, eliminating the need for external tag lines and manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If gyroscopes or moving mass systems are used to orient the load, then load orientation control is improved, but device complexity and response time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload orientation controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical gyroscopic systems with a simpler aerodynamic system using propellers. Instead of relying on angular momentum from spinning masses, the system uses controlled airflow to directly influence load orientation, significantly reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pneumatic principles by employing propellers to generate controlled air flows that act on the load. The controller modulates propeller speed to create appropriate air currents for orientation control, replacing mechanical inertia-based systems with fluid dynamics-based control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Ease of operation

If gyroscopes or moving mass systems are used to orient the load, then load orientation control is improved, but response time worsens due to delay in generating sufficient torque

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload orientation controlVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces systems requiring time to build up angular momentum (gyroscopes, moving masses) with an aerodynamic system where airflow can be immediately generated and adjusted. The propellers can quickly respond to controller commands, providing rapid orientation control without the inertia-related delays of mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If a single hook is used to suspend the load, then device simplicity is improved, but load orientation stability worsens due to spinning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension system simplicityVSAvoidload orientation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary aerodynamic system (propellers and airflow) between the simple hook suspension and the load. This intermediary layer provides orientation control without requiring a complex mechanical suspension system, maintaining the simplicity of the hook while adding stabilization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device effectively stabilizes loads during transport, reducing safety risks and improving positioning efficiency by quickly adjusting to maintain desired orientations without the complexity and delay of traditional systems.

Implementation Method 1

causing a controller to adjust an orientation of the load orienting device relative to a vertical axis of the load orienting device by operating the first and second propellers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow:

Data Source

PatentUS11718508B2Load orienting device and method of operating same

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 GREENFIELD PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A load orienting device and method of operating the load orienting device are disclosed. The load orienting device includes a frame, first and second posts disposed on the frame, and first and second propellers disposed on the first and second posts, respectively. The first and second posts are movable to adjust a distance between the first and second propellers and a controller operates the first and second propellers to adjust an orientation of the load orienting device relative to a vertical axis of the load orienting device.