Crane collision avoidance systems are nothing but electronic devices. The purpose of these devices is to lower the chances of accidents. Plus, it protects the crane, facility, and people. Mainly, overhead material handling uses its application. It is one of the most imperative systems if you deal with multiple cranes on a single runway. Also, you have to use it when you are using a single crane. Their designs allow them to avoid all types of crane collisions. Be it crane-to-crane or crane-to-end; it will prevent everything. It enhances the overall safety of the operator. For that reason, it will reduce the necessity of system maintenance.
Requirements and standards of the system
The primary necessity of their design is to prevent unwanted collisions of cranes and other equipment. In the case of general duty cranes, you will find no such requirements. However, CMAA mentions that the purchaser or the owner has to specify the criteria for collision avoidance. The design of the end-of-travel collision avoidance must avert the unintentional collision of the cranes. It also has to make sure that the trolley should not with mechanical end stops or other tools. Furthermore, the system must stop the motion or lower the speed before the collision.
Importance of collision avoidance system
Right now, you will notice that it is one of the significant demands amongst companies. It is an important system that will increase the workplace safety of an organization. Whenever there is a possibility of an accident due to collisions, this system will intervene. Besides, they are a great tool that will aid you in preventing human errors. As a result, you don’t have to deal with maintenance costs, and the workplace becomes safer.
What are the features of a collision-avoidance system?
This system has various features. We would introduce those features to you so that you can make the right decision. Here are the features:
- A Forward-collision warning: It will provide the operator with an audible or visual warning if the driver is at risk of collision.
- Blind-spot warning: There is a possibility that the load is at the blind spot of the operator. During that period, this system will send a warning to the operator.
- Lane departure warning: Maybe, there is a lane on the runway. This system will inform the operator that the crane is about to cross a lane. Thus, it provides additional safety to the operator as well as the working site.
- Parking assist: Parking the crane is an essential part. Thus, if the operator gets an assist from the sensors and cameras, it will be helpful for the operator. The operator can control the speed according to his or her preference.
- Automatic emergency braking: Based on the feedback from the sensors, the system will apply the brakes to the cranes. Thus, it plays a pivotal role in preventing the collision or lowering the collision impact.
- Electronic stability control: Sometimes, the crane may lose traction. During those situations, these brakes will help.
- Adaptive speed control: It is one of the essential preventive features. It controls the speed of the crane according to the requirements. As a result, the operator will maintain a safe distance of the cranes from the other equipment.
The ideal type of collision avoidance system
The option for you is to opt for three collision avoidance systems. The best part of this type is that it is compatible with all kinds of cranes. It comes with adjustable frequency, contractor controls, or soft starters. You will also get various configurations, and you have to choose the one that goes best with your application. Plus, you have to decide whether you want an indoor system or an outdoor system. One of the exciting parts of this type is that they are fail-safe. If the sensor stops working, it will stop the crane immediately. Thus, it will restrict the accident.
Significance of the sensor technology
Knowing about sensor technology is essential. It will elevate your idea about the system. Well, the best and most recent technology that they use is the modulated visible LED light signal. Some of the systems come with infrared light signals as well. The light signals transmit at a reflective surface, and a receiver receives the signal coming from the target. After that, the system will examine the information and will take steps according to that. It can be slowing down the crane or stopping the motion. There will be self-monitoring optical lasers as well, which will locate the crane’s position. You must know that laser-based positioning systems are the most precise system and valuable if you are dealing with an automated environment.
So, these are almost all the things that you can go through. It will provide you with a precise idea of the system. You can also take a look at the market. With increasing industries, this system is gaining significance. Therefore, if your work involves a crane, you must be aware of the collision avoidance system. It will give your workplace a layer of safety, which is the most crucial part.
