Transport System Fastening Device Deviation Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching loads to transport systems, such as construction cranes and helicopters, face challenges due to vibrations and deflections caused by external influences like wind, making it difficult to secure loads using conventional control methods.

Innovation Solution

A transport system with a detection unit to identify deviations in the fastening device's position and a control unit to compensate for these deviations, using marking elements like QR codes to guide the positioning of the fastening device for secure attachment, and incorporating optical or infrared sensors for improved accuracy in harsh environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional control methods are used to attach hook devices to loads, then the attachment process can be completed, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming due to vibrations and deflections from flexible guide units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidtime for manual positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated optical detection and control system. The detection unit identifies the load position, and the control unit automatically adjusts the transport device's position and orientation, substituting human operators with an automated feedback control mechanism that compensates for vibrations and deflections in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The transport system performs self-positioning and self-alignment through the integrated detection and control units. The system automatically detects its own position relative to the load and makes corrective movements without external intervention, enabling autonomous attachment operations despite environmental disturbances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual positioning by assistant personnel is used, then the hook device can be aligned with the load, but operator safety is compromised and productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidloading speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates manual positioning operations by implementing an automated optical detection and control system. The detection unit captures load position data, and the control unit automatically adjusts the transport device's position and orientation, replacing human operators with an automated feedback control mechanism that maintains alignment accuracy while eliminating safety risks and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the transport device is positioned above the load, then gripping is possible, but vibrations from the flexible rope or chain make gripping difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where the detection unit continuously monitors the position and orientation of the transport device relative to the load. The control unit processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts the transport device's position and orientation in real-time, compensating for vibrations and deflections caused by flexible guide units to maintain precise positioning for secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Extent of automation

If automatic positioning systems are implemented, then operator workload is reduced and automatic loading is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic loading capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified automated system. The detection unit serves both for position detection and alignment verification, while the control unit coordinates transport device positioning, orientation adjustment, and attachment execution. This multi-functional integration achieves automatic loading capability while managing system complexity through functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system reduces operator workload, enables automatic loading, and ensures secure attachment of loads by actively counteracting vibrations and deflections, enhancing the precision and stability of the fastening process.

Implementation Method 1

The first detection unit is designed to detect a marking element corresponding to the load device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Light

Implementation Method 2

incorporating optical or infrared sensors for improved accuracy in harsh environments

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3929139B1Transport system for transporting a load device, method for controlling a transport system and aircraft with a transport system
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH
  • EP3929139B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3929139B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3929139B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A transport system (1) for conveying a load device (30) is specified. The transport system (1) comprises a transport device (10) and a fastening device (20) which is attached to the transport device (10) and via which the load device (30) is fastened to the transport device (10). Furthermore, the transport system (1) comprises a detection unit (11) for determining a deviation (d) between an actual position (11a) of the fastening device (20) from a target position (11b) of the fastening device (20), and a control unit (13) for influencing a movement of the fastening device (20) in order to compensate for the determined deviation (d) between the actual position (11a) of the fastening device (20) and the target position (11b) of the fastening device (20).The detection unit (11) detects a marking element (32) corresponding to the load device (30), and the control unit (13) performs a spatial positioning of the fastening device (20) relative to the load device (30) based on the detected marking element (32). The invention further relates to an aircraft (100) and a method for controlling a transport system (1).