RFID Load Locator for Tower Crane Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tower cranes lack effective systems for accurately determining the location of their loads, leading to safety risks and inefficiencies in operation, as existing methods do not provide real-time, precise load positioning information to operators and other stakeholders.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an RFID-based load locator system for tower cranes, utilizing multiple RFID readers and tags, combined with GNSS devices and sway determiners, to generate precise load location data and provide it to users through graphical interfaces, enabling safer and more efficient operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual methods are used to determine load location, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision and real-time positioning capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into multiple independent RFID readers distributed at different locations on the tower crane, each reading RFID tags on the load. This segmentation allows the system to achieve precise positioning through multiple measurement points while keeping each individual reader simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
RFID tags serve as intermediaries between the load and the readers. The tags passively reflect electromagnetic signals from multiple readers, enabling the load to be positioned without active transmission devices on the load itself, thus simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple RFID readers are deployed to improve positioning accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each RFID reader performs multiple functions: it detects the presence of RFID tags, measures the time of flight for positioning, and identifies the specific tag. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized devices, allowing the system to achieve high precision with a manageable number of readers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional positioning (on the horizontal plane) to three-dimensional positioning by adding vertical height measurements through time of flight calculations. This dimensional expansion enables precise spatial localization of the load in full 3D space using the same reader infrastructure.
3Reliability
If real-time load monitoring is implemented, then operational safety and efficiency improve, but the system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors RFID tag positions and provides real-time feedback on load location to the control system. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of crane operations to maintain safe distances from obstacles and prevent collisions, directly improving operational safety through continuous position awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID-based system automatically performs positioning and safety monitoring without requiring manual intervention or complex external monitoring equipment. The system self-manages the positioning data collection, processing, and safety verification functions, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high reliability.
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
The RFID-based system provides accurate and real-time load location information, enhancing safety and operational efficiency by allowing operators to monitor and control load positions effectively, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall site management.
Implementation Method 1
generates a set of range measurements from an RFID reader coupled with the tower crane to a set of RFID tags coupled with the load
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tower crane load locator and sway indicator includes: a plurality of RFID tags at different locations on or around the crane; at least two RFID readers at different locations on the crane; a navigation satellite system (NSS) position receiver; and a load information interface. The RFID readers comprise a range determiner to provide range measurements between each of the RFID readers and each of the RFID tags. The sway determiner is coupled with a hook block of the crane. The NSS position receiver is coupled with the crane and comprises an antenna fixedly coupled with approximately the front of a jib of the crane. The load information interface combines information from range measurements, the sway determiner and the NSS position receiver to generate location and sway information of the load with respect to the crane and provide this information in a user accessible format.