Optical Crane Status Sensing for Boom Deflection Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining crane status are limited by physical constraints, such as visibility from either end of a boom or from a remotely installed base, and do not measure deformations of crane components across a range of positions.
Innovation Solution
A system using optical and electromagnetic sensors, including a sensor assembly with a transmitter and receiver configured to emit and detect laser beams, and an image capture device, to monitor crane components along the length of a boom or tower, determining parameters like deflection, length, and component positions through image analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If optical sensors are used to detect crane status from remote positions, then the measurement range is extended, but the visibility and detection accuracy are limited by line-of-sight constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is divided into multiple measurement sections with reference points distributed along its length. Each section can be independently monitored and measured, allowing the system to overcome the line-of-sight limitation by having multiple local reference points rather than relying on a single remote observation point.
Solution Approach 2:
Reference points are introduced as intermediary elements mounted on the boom at various positions. These reference points serve as local measurement anchors that enable accurate detection of boom deflection and position at multiple locations simultaneously, eliminating the need for direct line-of-sight from a single remote observer to all boom sections.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are installed at fixed positions to monitor specific locations, then the measurement at those locations is accurate, but the system cannot measure deformations across a range of positions
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into multiple independent measurement units distributed along the boom. Each unit measures local deflection at its specific location, and the combined data provides comprehensive coverage of deformations across the entire boom length, enabling both accurate local measurement and range-wide monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point spatial distribution of measurements. By adding the dimension of spatial distribution along the boom length, the system achieves both accurate local measurement at each reference point and comprehensive coverage of deformations across the entire boom structure.
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 comprehensive monitoring of various crane statuses, including deflection, length, and component positions, providing accurate and detailed information for operational control and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor assembly with a transmitter and receiver configured to emit and detect laser beams
Implementation Method 2
the sensor assembly configured to detect electromagnetic radiation, e.g., light transmission
Implementation Method 3
an image capture device, to monitor crane components along the length of a boom or tower
Data Source
AI summary
A crane includes a lower works having one or more ground engaging elements, an upper works connected to the lower works, the upper works having a boom, and a system for determining a crane status. The system includes a sensor assembly positioned to have a line of sight along at least a portion of a length of the boom or the lower works. The sensor assembly configured to detect light transmission and output sensor information. The system further includes a computer configured to receive the sensor information and determine the crane status based on the sensor information. A method of determining the crane status is also provided.