Optical Detection of Crane Counterweight Assembly Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the position, configuration, and specifications of counterweight assemblies in cranes are time-consuming, costly, and prone to subjectivity and inaccuracy, with sensors becoming less reliable over time due to wear.
Innovation Solution
An optical detection system that uses image capture assemblies and optical control systems to capture images of the counterweight assembly, employing object recognition techniques and pattern recognition algorithms to determine its status, including position, configuration, and specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual or visual inspection is used to monitor the counterweight assembly, then the system is simple and low-cost, but the inspection is time-consuming, costly, and subjective/inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an optical detection system using image capture assemblies and optical control systems. This substitution of mechanical/manual detection with optical automated detection resolves the contradiction by providing both high measurement precision through algorithmic image analysis and eliminating time loss through automated continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical control system performs self-service by automatically capturing images, processing them through pattern recognition algorithms, and determining the status of the counterweight assembly without requiring manual intervention. This automation eliminates the time-consuming nature of manual inspection while maintaining high accuracy through systematic algorithmic analysis.
2Extent of automation
If sensors are used to detect the counterweight assembly, then detection automation is improved, but reliability decreases over time due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical sensors with an optical detection system that uses image capture assemblies and optical control systems. This substitution eliminates the reliability degradation issue associated with sensor wear while maintaining high automation through algorithmic image processing and pattern recognition algorithms that analyze the captured images to determine counterweight assembly status.
3Measurement precision
If optical detection system is implemented, then detection accuracy and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical control system performs multiple functions using a single integrated system: capturing images, processing images through pattern recognition algorithms, determining status of the counterweight assembly, and potentially monitoring multiple parameters simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical detection system (400) for a crane (10) having a counterweight assembly (30) includes an image capture assembly (410) having one or more image capture devices (422) configured to capture an image of the counterweight assembly and an optical control system (402). The optical control system is configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from the counterweight assembly, a weight unit of the counterweight assembly, a stack of weight units of the counterweight assembly, and a marker on the counterweight assembly. The optical control system is also configured to analyze the one or more detected objects and determine a status of counterweight assembly based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects.