Wireless Anti-Two Block Power via Cable Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-two block devices in lifting cranes face challenges with power reliability, as batteries have a finite service life and may not provide operating power when needed, leading to potential two-blocking incidents due to delayed detection of malfunctions during crane startup.
Innovation Solution
A power generation system responsive to lifting cable movement generates power for anti-two block sensors and control devices, providing an initiation signal to the crane controller to monitor sensor conditions and prevent two-blocking, eliminating the need for physical connectivity and ensuring immediate power availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a storage battery is used to power the anti-two block device proximate the boom nose, then the device can operate without complex linkages and conduits, but the battery has a finite service life and may not provide operating power when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The power generator is driven by the lifting cable movement itself, allowing the system to generate its own operating power from the crane's operational motion. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external power sources with finite service lives while maintaining reliability during crane operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (battery) with a mechanical energy conversion system (power generator driven by cable movement). This substitution transforms the finite chemical energy reservoir into an ongoing mechanical energy conversion process that operates throughout crane usage.
2Ease of operation
If a storage battery is used to power the anti-two block device, then installation is simplified, but there is a risk that the sensor will not have operating power when needed and malfunctions may not be detected during startup
Solution Approach 1:
The power generator is positioned to begin generating power as soon as the lifting cable moves during startup. The initiation signal mechanism ensures that the control system is alerted immediately when power becomes available, allowing for immediate verification of sensor functionality rather than waiting for battery depletion or malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The initiation signal provides immediate feedback to the control system when the power generator becomes operational. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system and operator are immediately aware that power is available and the anti-two block sensor should be functioning, enabling prompt detection of any malfunctions.
3Reliability
If power is run via wire and conduit from the base of the crane along the boom to the boom nose, then the anti-two block device can be powered reliably, but complex linkages and conduits are required for extensible booms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation function from the base of the crane and places it directly at the boom nose where it is needed. By taking out the power source from the complex wiring system and locating it at the sensor location, the patent eliminates the need for complex linkages and conduits while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The power generator acts as an intermediary that converts mechanical energy from the lifting cable into electrical power locally at the boom nose. This intermediary device eliminates the need for direct electrical connections from the base, simplifying the overall system architecture while ensuring reliable power delivery.
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 solution ensures reliable prevention of two-blocking by immediately providing power for anti-two block sensors and control systems, enabling the crane controller to monitor and prevent undesirable conditions, even during startup, thus enhancing operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
A power generator is provided, the generator being responsive to a movement of a lifting cable of the crane, and/or responsive to any action or movement of the crane that causes rotation of a sheave engaging the lifting cable, for generating power
Data Source
AI summary
A power generator is associated with a crane boom at or near the tip of the boom. The generator responds to movement of the lifting cable to initiate the transmission of a signal to a crane controller. The signal serves as a start-up or a wake-up signal to the crane controller which may then immediately analyze operation of, for example, an anti-two block device associated with the boom tip. The crane controller may then control the operation of the crane in accordance with signals received from the anti-two block device or immediately identify malfunctions of the anti-two block device and control the crane operations accordingly.