Remote Operation Terminal for Mobile Crane Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote operation systems for mobile cranes can only perform jib overhanging and storage tasks remotely when the crane is in a no-load state, limiting their operational capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A remote operation system for mobile cranes that includes a mode selection unit, operation unit, and control unit, along with an overload prevention device, allowing for various operations to be performed remotely while ensuring safety by limiting the boom's movable range based on the selected operation mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If remote operation is enabled for mobile crane, then work efficiency is improved by eliminating the need for workers to go back and forth between cab and outside, but operational versatility is limited to only no-load state operations such as jib overhanging and storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidoperational capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two distinct operational modes: remote operation mode for no-load tasks and cab operation mode for load-bearing tasks. This dynamic adaptability allows the crane to leverage the efficiency benefits of remote operation while maintaining the versatility of cab operation when needed, resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and operational versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operational capabilities are segmented into distinct modes: remote operation for preparation and tidying works, and cab operation for suspended loading works. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized for its specific function while the overall system maintains comprehensive operational capability through mode switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If remote operation is restricted to no-load state only, then safety is maintained by avoiding remote operation during loading, but work scope is limited preventing various other operations from being performed remotely

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidwork scope
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic mode switching based on operational state: remote operation mode is activated for no-load tasks with appropriate safety constraints, while cab operation mode is used for load-bearing tasks. This dynamic approach allows the system to expand work scope for remote operation while maintaining safety through context-appropriate operational constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by defining distinct operational modes with different capability sets. The remote operation mode enables a broader range of preparation and tidying operations compared to previous systems, while the cab operation mode handles load-bearing tasks, creating a parameter-based differentiation that expands overall work scope while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3412619B1Remote operation terminal, and system for remotely operating mobile crane
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 TADANO LTD
  • EP3412619B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3412619B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3412619B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A remote operation terminal T for remotely operating a mobile crane C is configured to include: a mode selection unit 34 for selecting an operation mode corresponding to work of the mobile crane C from a plurality of operation modes; an operation unit 35, 36 for instructing the mobile crane C on operation; and a control unit T1 that, when the operation mode is selected by the mode selection unit 34, assigns the operation corresponding to the selected operation mode to the operation unit 35, 36, and transmits an operation signal from the operation unit 35, 36 to the mobile crane C. Thereby, various operations can be performed by remote operation while securing safety.