Luffing Crane Load-Curve Selection Through Boom Inclination Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cranes with luffing and folding jibs face issues due to incorrect selection of load curves based on actual working configurations, leading to potential damage or collapse during lifting and handling operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically determining the actual working configuration of a crane by measuring boom inclinations and heights, using inclinometers and sensors, to select and apply a preferential load curve adapted to the configuration, enhancing the crane's operational safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual selection of load curve is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but risk of incorrect selection and potential damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crane system automatically determines its own working configuration through sensors (inclinometers, position sensors) and autonomously selects the appropriate load curve without manual intervention, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating human error in selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual boom inclination and position through sensors, compares this feedback with stored configuration data, and automatically selects the corresponding load curve, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures accurate load curve selection
2Measurement precision
If automated selection based on inclination measurement is implemented, then selection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Inclinometers and position sensors act as intermediaries between the physical crane configuration and the control system, converting physical measurements into electrical signals that trigger automatic load curve selection, thereby enabling precise configuration detection
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple load curves are pre-calculated and stored in memory corresponding to different boom inclinations and positions before operation, allowing the system to quickly retrieve and apply the correct load curve once the configuration is detected, without requiring real-time complex calculations
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 accurate adaptation of load curves to various crane configurations, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring safe lifting and handling operations by automating the selection process.
Implementation Method 1
an inclination measurement step implementing a measurement of an actual inclination of the boom structural element relative to a reference axis in the working configuration, by means of an inclinometer mounted on this boom structural element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A crane control method (1) for selecting and applying a preferred load curve adapted to a working configuration of a crane comprising a mast (2) supporting a luffing jib (3) comprising at least one structural jib element (31; 32), with: - a measurement of the actual inclination of the structural jib element in the working configuration by means of an inclinometer (61; 62); - an automated selection of the preferred load curve as a function of the actual inclination of said structural jib element, the latter being selected from a plurality of load curves stored in a memory (50) and calculated beforehand for several inclinations of said structural jib element; - a control step implementing an application of said preferred load curve for lifting and moving maneuvers of a load along the jib in the working configuration.