Self-Powered RFID Tags for Crane Setup Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting the set-up state and location of construction and material-handling machines, such as cranes, face challenges with energy supply and stable communication over long distances and metallic components, leading to unreliable data transmission and short battery life.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of identification elements with energy-generating means, such as thermoelectric, electromechanical, and photoelectric modules, that harness environmental influences to recharge energy accumulators, ensuring continuous data transmission and communication over extended periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If battery-powered RFID transponders are used for data transmission, then data communication is enabled, but the battery energy depletes over time leading to unreliable transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidbattery energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The identification element serves itself by generating its own energy through energy-generating means (thermoelectric, electromechanical, or photoelectric modules) that convert environmental influences into electrical energy. This self-generated energy is stored in an energy accumulator and used to power the data transmission, eliminating dependence on depleting batteries and ensuring long-term reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If wireless data transmission is implemented over long distances, then set-up state monitoring is enabled, but signal stability deteriorates due to distance and metallic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsignal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous transmission, the system uses periodic transmission triggered by specific events such as changes in the set-up state. The control device requests data only when necessary, and the identification element transmits information at these discrete moments. This periodic approach maintains signal stability while enabling comprehensive remote monitoring of the construction machine's configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If manual entry of set-up data is required, then system complexity is reduced, but time consumption and potential for errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoiddata entry time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical process of data entry is replaced with an automated electronic system. The identification element automatically detects the set-up state through its sensors and electronically transmits the data to the control device, eliminating the need for manual input and reducing both time consumption and error potential.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects and transmits parameters related to the set-up state (such as boom length, tower height, counterweight configuration) without requiring manual input. The control device receives these parameters automatically and uses them to determine appropriate load curves and safety settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution enables stable and reliable communication and data transmission over long distances and extended service life, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements and minimizing energy consumption during data communication.

Implementation Method 1

the energy-generating means comprises a thermoelectric module that converts temperature differences into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 2

the energy-generating means comprises an electromechanical module that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical energy conversion: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

the energy-generating means comprises a photoelectric module that converts light energy into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12202709B2Method and device for detecting the set-up state of a construction and/or material-handling machine

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 LIEBHERR WERK BIBERACH GMBH

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and a device for detecting the set-up state of a construction and/or material-handling machine, in particular a crane, and/or the location of individual set-up elements of the construction and/or material-handling machine, with electronic identification elements which are attached to the set-up elements of the construction and/or material-handling machine, and an electronic evaluation unit for determining the set-up state and/or location of the set-up elements based on information received from the identification elements. The invention further also relates to such a construction and/or material-handling machine, in particular in the form of a crane. According to the invention the identification elements attached to the set-up elements are provided with energy-generating means for generating electrical energy from environmental influences, as well as an energy accumulator for storing the generated energy and supplying the identification elements.