Mobile Crane Tipping Moment Control During Load Travel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pick and carry cranes face significant tipping risks due to their design, which limits the use of outriggers, posing safety concerns and potential damage, especially when operating on public roads with loads.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling mobile crane operations by determining the tipping moment, predicting the effect of user inputs, and altering responses to maintain the tipping moment within safe limits, including adjustments to configuration changes and terrain considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If outriggers are used to minimise susceptibility to sideways tipping, then stability is improved, but the crane cannot travel with a load as outriggers are only used when stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors crane configuration parameters (boom extension, boom luff angle, load weight, ground incline, crane orientation) and calculates the tipping moment in real-time. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts operational parameters or issues warnings to maintain stability without requiring outriggers during travel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical outrigger system with an electronic control system that uses sensors and calculations to manage tipping moments. Instead of physical mechanical support during travel, the system uses computational analysis and control responses to prevent tipping
2Adaptability or versatility
If the crane is designed to fit public roads, then adaptability for road travel is improved, but tipping risk increases due to limited outrigger usage
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary calculations of the tipping moment before allowing certain operations. By evaluating the predicted tipping moment based on current configuration and anticipated changes, the system prevents operations that would exceed safe thresholds, addressing the tipping risk before it materializes
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors configuration parameters and provides real-time feedback on tipping moment status, enabling the operator to adjust operations to maintain safety while traveling on public roads
3Ease of operation
If a single operator station is used for both traveling and operating the crane, then ease of operation is improved, but control complexity increases due to need to manage both travel and lifting functions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated platform. The same operator station and control system manage both travel operations and lifting operations, including the sophisticated tipping moment calculations and stability management, eliminating the need for separate driver's cab and crane cab
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of travel control and crane operation control into a single integrated system. The control system combines navigation, propulsion, boom control, and stability management functions, reducing the need for multiple operator stations and simplifying the overall control architecture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method of, and corresponding system for, controlling an operation of a mobile crane, the operation comprising a user input, the user input comprising a command to change a configuration of the mobile crane, the method comprising the steps of: determining a current tipping moment of the mobile crane, the tipping moment comprising a moment about a tipping line of the mobile crane; predicting an effect of the user input on the tipping moment of the mobile crane; and if the predicted effect of the user input is to increase the tipping moment of the mobile crane past a predetermined amount, altering a response to the user input. A further aspect relates to a user interface for displaying to a user effects of the user input on the tipping moment of the mobile crane, the user interface displaying a safe range of effects of a user input and the non-safe range of effects of a user input, which may cause tipping of the mobile crane.