Mobile Crane Load Capacity Control via Variable Outrigger Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile cranes with variable support geometries face challenges in determining maximum load capacity and ensuring stability, especially in confined spaces where support bars cannot be fully extended, leading to asymmetrical support geometries and complex load calculations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for determining maximum permissible loads for various boom positions, considering support geometry, boom strength tables, and additional parameters, with a control unit and display device to visually represent load limits and ranges, allowing operators to plan and execute crane operations safely and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If outriggers are fully extended to improve stability and lifting capacity, then the crane's maximum permissible load increases, but the crane cannot operate in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable outrigger geometry where the support bars can be extended or retracted depending on operational requirements. The control unit dynamically adjusts the outrigger positions to optimize either stability for maximum lifting capacity or compactness for confined space operations, allowing the crane to adapt to different working conditions
2Ease of operation
If conventional load tables are used for predetermined outrigger geometry, then load determination is simplified, but accurate load capacity cannot be determined for variable outrigger positions
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from sensors about the actual outrigger positions and boom configuration, then calculates the maximum permissible load based on these real-time measurements. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate load capacity determination for any variable outrigger position while maintaining automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of outrigger geometry from fixed to variable, allowing the support bar lengths and positions to be adjusted. The control unit correlates these parameter changes with corresponding load capacity calculations, enabling accurate determination of maximum permissible loads for any configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetric outrigger geometry is used in confined spaces, then the crane can operate in restricted areas, but determining maximum permissible load becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual load calculation methods with an automated electronic control unit that performs real-time calculations. The control unit processes sensor data about asymmetric outrigger positions and automatically determines the maximum permissible load, eliminating the need for complex manual computations while maintaining accuracy
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a mobile crane (1) with a boom (5), having the following steps: - ascertaining maximally allowable support loads for multiple positions in a specified positioning range of the boom (5); - ascertaining a support load limit and/or one or more support load ranges on the basis of a suspended load and the maximally allowable support loads for the multiple positions of the specified positioning range of the boom (5); and - operating the mobile crane (1) on the basis of the support load limit and/or one or more support load ranges.