Sensor Unit System for Real-Time Load Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of lifting devices, such as cranes, face difficulties in visualizing the area around and below the load due to limited situational awareness, which can lead to accidents and collisions with other lifting devices or hazards, and there is a need for real-time knowledge of the load's position and orientation to facilitate efficient delivery.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device sensor system that includes a sensor unit with GNSS receivers, inertial sensors, and object identifiers, which provides real-time positioning and monitoring of the load, detects potential collisions and hazards, and generates lift plans to avoid obstacles, using wireless communication to display units for operator guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If operators rely on direct visual observation to monitor load position and surroundings, then they can perceive hazards and collisions, but their situational awareness is limited and they cannot see the area around and below the load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensor units as intermediary devices that directly observe the load and surroundings, converting physical parameters (position, orientation, temperature, etc.) into electrical signals. These sensors act as mediators between the physical environment and the operator, providing indirect visual information through displays when direct observation is impossible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of direct human observation with an electronic sensing and display system. Sensors, processors, and displays substitute for human eyes and brain processing, enabling automated detection and presentation of load position, hazards, and environmental conditions.
2Productivity
If multiple lifting devices operate simultaneously in the same area, then productivity increases, but the risk of collision between devices and loads increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback systems where sensor units continuously monitor the positions of multiple lifting devices and loads, process this information centrally, and provide real-time feedback to operators through displays. This feedback loop enables operators to adjust their operations to avoid collisions while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite monitoring system that integrates multiple sensor types (position sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, etc.) into a unified platform. This composite system combines data from various sources to provide comprehensive situational awareness for coordinating multiple lifting devices.
3Measurement precision
If sensor units continuously monitor load position and environmental parameters, then safety and precision are improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic sampling of environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, etc.) rather than continuous monitoring. The processor collects data at predetermined time intervals, reducing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for safety-critical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic monitoring strategies where the sensor unit adjusts its operation mode based on operational context. During critical lifting phases, monitoring frequency increases for higher precision; during stable phases, frequency decreases to conserve energy.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile construction device sensor unit comprises a point-to-point radio ranging system and a position determining component. The point-to-point radio ranging system is configured to couple with a mobile construction device. The position determining component is coupled with the point-to-point radio ranging system and is configured for determining a position of the sensor unit in at least two dimensions based on communications between the point-to-point radio ranging system and a plurality of tags respectively located at a plurality of knowable locations within an operating environment of the mobile construction device.