Remote Tag Line Release Assembly for Crane Load Guidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tag line devices do not efficiently facilitate the release of a tag line from a load being lifted by a crane to a ground-based worker, particularly in situations requiring precise guidance during lowering.
Innovation Solution
A tag line release assembly comprising a mount attachable to the load, a disk extending from the mount, a remotely controlled release unit attached to the disk, and a cord that engages the release unit, allowing a tag line to be looped around the cord and remotely released to a ground-based worker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tag line is attached to a load being lifted by a crane, then the load can be guided during lifting and lowering operations, but the tag line cannot be easily released to ground-based workers for guidance during lowering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated electrical system. The release unit includes an electric motor that winds and unwinds the cord based on electrical signals from a remote control, eliminating the need for manual handling of the tag line by workers on the load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cord as an intermediary element between the automated release unit and the tag line. The cord is automatically wound and unwound by the motor-driven spool, serving as a mechanical intermediary that transfers the automated release action to the tag line without requiring direct manual intervention.
2Reliability
If the release unit is manually operated, then the structure can be simpler, but the release process becomes dangerous for workers on the load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated electrical system. The electric motor and control circuitry eliminate the need for workers to manually handle the release mechanism, thereby improving safety while accepting increased device complexity through the addition of electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The release unit operates autonomously based on commands from the ground-based operator. The motor automatically winds and unwinds the cord without requiring physical intervention from workers on the load, making the system self-serving and eliminating dangerous manual operations.
3Measurement precision
If the tag line is released manually from the load, then the device structure can be simpler, but the precision and control of the release process deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the remote control system that allows the ground-based operator to precisely control the release process. The operator can monitor and control the unwinding of the cord in real-time, ensuring precise and controlled release of the tag line to the desired location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an electric motor with controllable speed and direction to precisely manage the release process. The motor can be controlled to unwind the cord at a controlled rate and stop at precise positions, providing measurement precision that would be difficult to achieve with simple manual mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A tag line release assembly includes a mount that is attachable to a load being lifted by a crane. A disk is disposed on the mount such that the disk extends away from the load when the mount is attached to the load. A release unit is attached to the disk and the release unit is in remote communication with a remote control thereby facilitating the remote control to remotely actuate the release unit between an actuated condition and a de-actuated condition. A cord is attached to the disk and the cord engages the release unit thereby facilitating a tag line to be looped around the cord. The release unit is remotely controlled to release the cord thereby dropping the tag line to facilitate a ground based worker to hold the tag line for guiding the load when the load is being lowered by the crane.