Modular Suspended Load Control for Yaw and Pendular Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling suspended loads, such as those lifted by helicopters or cranes, face challenges in managing unstable motion like yaw, pendular motion, and horizontal translation, which can lead to hazardous conditions and operational delays, especially when encountering obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A suspended load control system (SLCS) that uses thrusters, fans, or propellers to exert force directly on the load, allowing independent control of the load's motion relative to the carrier, including counteracting yaw and pendular motion, and repositioning it to avoid obstacles or achieve precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hoist systems are used to suspend loads, then the load can be transported vertically, but the load is subject to unstable motion including yaw, pendular motion, and horizontal translation that cannot be independently controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the load control function into separate independent modules: a suspended load control system with its own propulsion devices (fans, propellers, or jets) that can be attached to or integrated with the load itself. This segmentation allows the load to be controlled independently from the carrier, enabling precise management of yaw, pendular motion, and horizontal translation without affecting the carrier's operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system between the carrier and the load. This suspended load control system acts as a mediator that receives commands from the carrier operator and executes precise load positioning maneuvers, thereby decoupling the control complexity from the carrier while improving load control capability and operational safety.
2Device complexity
If the load is allowed to move freely during suspension, then the system is simpler, but hazardous conditions arise from uncontrolled yaw and pendular motion
Solution Approach 1:
The suspended load control system enables the load to control itself during transport. The propulsion devices are mounted on or near the load and are controlled to counteract unwanted motions. This self-service approach allows the load to actively stabilize itself against yaw, pendular motion, and horizontal translation, reducing the complexity burden on the carrier system while eliminating hazardous uncontrolled motions.
3Manufacturing precision
If the load must be delivered to a precise location, then accuracy improves, but operational delays occur from managing unstable motion
Solution Approach 1:
The suspended load control system performs preliminary stabilization actions during the entire transport process. By continuously counteracting yaw and pendular motion from the moment the load is suspended until precise placement is achieved, the system ensures the load is always in a controlled state, eliminating delays that would otherwise occur from managing unstable motion during critical positioning phases.
4Ease of operation
If integrated load control systems are added to the load, then independent motion control is achieved, but the weight of the load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspended load control system applies propulsion devices only where needed - on or near the load itself rather than on the entire carrier system. This localized approach provides independent motion control exactly where required while minimizing the overall weight increase, as the control system is confined to the load area and does not add weight to the carrier structure.
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
Enhances safety and operational efficiency by dynamically controlling the load's position and orientation independently of the carrier's motion, reducing the risk of accidents and improving the accuracy of load delivery in various applications like search and rescue, construction, and firefighting.
Implementation Method 1
A suspended load control system that uses thrusters, fans, or propellers to exert force directly on the load
Implementation Method 2
allowing independent control of the load's motion relative to the carrier, including counteracting yaw and pendular motion
Data Source
AI summary
Load control apparatuses, systems and methods to control a location, orientation, or rotation of a suspended load by imparting thrust vectors to the suspended load or to a structure that holds the load. The load control apparatuses, systems and method may be integrated into a structure that holds a load, such as a rescue litter. The load control apparatuses, systems, and methods may be modular. The modular load control apparatuses, systems, and methods may be secured to a load or to a structure that holds the load.