Suspended Load Rotator with Flywheel Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling the orientation of suspended loads, such as those in air or water, face challenges in maintaining stability against rotational forces like side winds, putting personnel at risk and requiring careful manual control, which can lead to injuries and accidents.
Innovation Solution
A rotational orientation control apparatus connected between a suspension line and a load, utilizing flywheels with fan vanes to create reaction torque, optionally with gyroscopes and thrusters, and a control system for wireless or cable-operated control, including safety features like remote load release mechanisms and adaptive logic for maintaining desired orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control ropes are attached to the load and held by personnel to control rotational orientation, then the load orientation can be controlled, but personnel are at risk of injury from the load unexpectedly rotating or falling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual control system (personnel holding control ropes) with an automated control system consisting of flywheels, fans, and electronic controllers that generate reaction torque to control load orientation without personnel exposure to the load
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the apparatus with flywheels and fans) between the suspension line and the load, which acts as a mediator to control load orientation and protect personnel from direct interaction with the suspended load
2Ease of operation
If elongate flexible cables are used to suspend the load, then the load can be hoisted and lowered, but the cables are naturally subject to torque that can result in the suspended load spinning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using fans to generate reaction torque that counteracts the torque on the suspension cable before the load can spin uncontrollably, thereby preventing rotational instability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive flexible cable suspension system with an active control system using flywheels and fans that can actively counteract torques and maintain load stability
3Weight of moving object
If physically large suspended loads are used for heavy or long objects, then the load capacity is sufficient, but the loads are affected by side winds causing the load to rotate if uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical stability with an active control system using fans and flywheels that generate reaction torque to counteract side wind forces on large loads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using variable speed fans that can adjust their rotational speed to generate appropriate reaction torque levels to counteract varying side wind forces on the load
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 apparatus effectively controls yaw position and rotational orientation of suspended loads, reducing the risk of accidents by providing precise control and stability, even in challenging environmental conditions, while allowing for safe remote operation and adaptive response to load dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
the vanes create a reaction torque augmenting or replacing a change of speed of rotation of the at least one flywheel for controlling rotational orientation of the suspended load
Implementation Method 2
The mass and arrangement of flywheels provides gyroscopic stability while neutralizing potential processional moments
Implementation Method 3
control of the at least one flywheel providing a respective proportion of reaction torque for controlling rotational orientation of the suspended load
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A rotator apparatus (10,100, 200) for rotationally positioning a suspended load (16). A flywheel (44, 144) can be directly or indirectly driven by a motor (40, 140). Vanes (50, 150) on a fan (45) or on the flywheel can be used to provide additional rotational control through air resistance/braking. A controller (20, 24, 120, 124) can provide wired or wireless control. Thrusters (52) can provide additional rotational impetus or resistance. One or more load cells (54, 232, 234) can provide load sensing. Cameras (28) can be used to visualise the load and can record load moving operations and details of the load for logistics tracking and safety. The attachment part (202) and/or the load support (216) can be connected to the body via a respective pivot (204,214). The apparatus can include replaceable or rechargeable batteries (206, 210), such as within in a removable container (230), preferably supported by at least one drawer (231), which drawer may be mounted on telescopic drawer slides (212). The replaceable or rechargeable batteries (206, 210) can be provided as a cassette arrangement whereby the batteries plug in and are removable as a unit. At least one hook (157) for suspending a load from the rotator can include a groove or recess (158) to restrict or prevent load rotation.