Visual Outrigger Monitoring System for Mobile Cranes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current outrigger monitoring systems for mobile cranes rely on multiple sensors, requiring manual inspection and are not cost-effective, lacking a reliable visual monitoring solution to determine outrigger length and position accurately.
Innovation Solution
A visual monitoring system using camera assemblies with image recognition capabilities, mounted on the crane, to detect the length and position of outriggers, jacks, and pads, and monitor the surrounding area for obstacles, integrated with a control system that processes images to determine the extension and stability of the crane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (string potentiometers, proximity sensors, laser sensors) are used to monitor outrigger extension, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical and electronic sensor systems (string potentiometers, proximity sensors, laser sensors) with an optical imaging system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The camera captures images of the outrigger, and image processing techniques extract extension measurements, eliminating the need for multiple physical sensors while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy (image) of the outrigger and processes this optical copy to extract measurement information. Instead of directly measuring physical quantities with sensors, the system captures an optical representation and derives extension data through image analysis, simplifying the physical sensor requirements
2Productivity
If manual inspection of outriggers is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic monitoring where the camera and image processing system independently capture, analyze, and extract outrigger extension data without human intervention. The system serves itself by automatically processing visual information to provide measurement data, replacing manual inspection while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual inspection is replaced with an automated optical system that uses cameras and computer vision algorithms to perform monitoring tasks. The substitution of human visual inspection with machine-based image processing achieves continuous automated monitoring without increasing mechanical complexity
3Measurement precision
If traditional sensor-based monitoring systems are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cameras, which are relatively inexpensive and widely available components, instead of expensive specialized sensors like laser sensors or precision string potentiometers. The use of standard digital camera technology provides cost-effective outrigger monitoring while maintaining adequate measurement precision for safety applications
Solution Approach 2:
Expensive mechanical and electronic sensor systems are replaced with optical camera systems and software-based image processing. This substitution leverages mature, low-cost camera technology and computational algorithms to achieve measurement capabilities that would otherwise require expensive specialized sensors
4Loss of information
If multiple monitoring positions are required for complete outrigger monitoring, then measurement completeness is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from requiring multiple spatial monitoring positions to achieving comprehensive monitoring from a single position by utilizing multi-directional camera placement and image processing. Cameras positioned at strategic locations capture different views, and image processing synthesizes complete outrigger extension information from these multiple perspectives without requiring physical access to multiple locations
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
Enables accurate, real-time monitoring of outrigger positions and lengths from a single position within the cab, reducing manual inspection needs and providing enhanced stability and safety by detecting potential obstacles in the crane's path.
Implementation Method 1
an image recognition function configured to receive an image of the outrigger from the camera assembly and determine the length of the outrigger based on the received image
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A system and method for visually monitoring an outrigger (110) includes a camera assembly (302) configured to monitor an outrigger (110) and a control system operably and communicably connected to the camera assembly (302). The control system executes instructions to determine a presence, length, and/or position of the outrigger (110) based by an image captured by the camera assembly (302). The outrigger (110) may include a target to be detected by the camera assembly (302) for monitoring of the outrigger (110). The target may be the outrigger (110) itself, detected by the control system using edge detection, or a marker (94) disposed on the outrigger (110). The system may be implemented with a crane (100) having a carrier unit (104) and a superstructure (102). The system may include a plurality of camera assemblies (102, 302, 304) and a plurality of outriggers (110).