Movable Image Sensor for Crane Hoisting Frame Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling hoisting frames in container terminals, particularly during the introduction of a hoisting frame into a vessel cell, face challenges due to complex movements, limited space, and environmental influences, leading to inaccurate positioning and potential damage to sensors, resulting in manual intervention and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A device with image sensors mounted on the hoisting frame, positioned to protrude outside its periphery, providing a clear and robust image of the frame's position, protected from damage by the frame itself, and connected to a control system for automated control, allowing for precise and safe movement into a cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cameras are mounted on the crane at a distance from the spreader, then the spreader is protected from damage to the cameras, but the cameras become poorly accessible for maintenance or replacement and provide poor indication of the spreader position
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting is made movable relative to the spreader, allowing the camera to dynamically change its position between a protected position (retracted into the spreader body) and an operative position (extended outward for optimal viewing angle). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing protection when needed and accessibility when required for maintenance or optimal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is nested within a movable mounting structure that can be retracted into the spreader body. When retracted, the camera is protected inside the spreader; when extended, it positions itself for optimal operation. This nesting approach allows the camera to be both protected and accessible as needed.
2Loss of information
If multiple cameras are used to provide clear indication of spreader position, then the indication quality improves, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple physical cameras with a single camera that uses movable mounting to achieve multiple viewing angles. Instead of having multiple fixed cameras simultaneously, one camera dynamically positions itself to capture the necessary views, reducing system complexity while maintaining information quality.
Solution Approach 2:
A single camera dynamically adjusts its mounting position and angle to capture comprehensive views of the spreader position. By moving the camera to different positions during operation, one camera can provide the same information that would otherwise require multiple fixed cameras, reducing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If cameras are placed close to the spreader for accurate positioning, then the position indication accuracy improves, but the cameras become vulnerable to damage from contact with the surrounding area
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting is designed to be movable, allowing the camera to dynamically position itself close to the spreader for accurate imaging during operation, then retract into the protected position when contact risk is present. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between needing close proximity for accuracy and needing protection from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable mounting provides preliminary protection by allowing the camera to retract into the spreader body before contact with surrounding objects occurs. This preemptive retraction prevents damage while maintaining the ability to position close for accurate imaging when safe.
4Ease of operation
If manual control is used for lowering spreader into cell, then complex movements can be controlled, but operational time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable camera provides real-time visual feedback to the operator during manual control operations. By positioning the camera optimally close to the spreader during critical phases, the operator receives accurate real-time information, enabling precise manual control while maintaining efficient operation speeds. This feedback mechanism allows manual control to be both capable and productive.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual control is applied selectively only during the critical phase of lowering the spreader into the cell, while automated control handles other phases. The movable camera provides enhanced visual support during this partial manual intervention period, allowing complex movements to be controlled manually when necessary while maintaining overall productivity through limited rather than continuous manual operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for detecting a position of a hoisting frame, comprising one or more image sensors connected movably to the hoisting frame and protruding outside a periphery thereof in a position of use. The image sensors can be movable between the position of use and a protected position lying within the periphery of the hoisting frame. The device can be provided with means for biasing the image sensor(s) from the protected position to the position of use. The invention further relates to a method for controlling a hoisting frame suspended from a crane, comprising the steps of moving the hoisting frame to a first position under the control of an automatic control system, holding the hoisting frame stationary in the first position, making one or more image recordings of the area around the hoisting frame in the first position and moving the hoisting frame to a second position on the basis of the image recording(s), wherein the image recording(s) is/are made by one or more image sensors connected to the hoisting frame.