Operator Testing on Dual-Hoist Cranes Moving Triangular Payloads

Certain heavy-lifting applications require the coordinated movement of multiple cranes. Such tasks dramatically increase the complexity of crane operation, especially when the payload has a non-uniform shape. Therefore, controlling such a complex dynamic system requires skilled operators. However, even with extensive operator training, manipulating a crane with a large payload is difficult and presents serious safety hazards. This paper studies the dynamic behavior of a dual-hoist bridge crane moving triangular payloads. Test subjects used a wireless controller to move a dual-hoist crane with a triangular payload. They drove the payload through an obstacle course under various operating conditions. The time required to complete the course and the operator effort were recorded. Test runs were completed with and without input-shaping oscillation control. The result shows that using input-shaping oscillation control significantly reduces not only the task completion time but also the number of button pushes.