Crane Hook Swing and Load Attitude Monitoring with SST810

Project Background

Suspended loads can swing during lifting because of crane movement, wind, acceleration and sudden operating inputs. Excessive sway makes positioning more difficult and can increase the risk of collision with nearby structures, equipment or personnel. Conventional static inclinometers may be affected by additional acceleration during motion, making them unsuitable for reliable dynamic angle measurement.

Monitoring Requirement

The lifting system required a self-contained sensor capable of measuring pitch and roll while the load or hook assembly was moving. It also needed fast data output, rugged environmental performance and standard industrial interfaces for connection to a crane controller, display or warning system.

Vigor Solution

An SST810 dynamic inclinometer can be installed on the hook block, lifting fixture or monitored load. Its built-in triaxial accelerometer and triaxial gyroscope are combined through a Kalman filter to provide stable dynamic angle data without external GPS or odometer assistance. Because the sensor does not have to be installed at the carrier's center of mass, system integration is more flexible.

The SST810 offers selectable dynamic accuracy from ±1° to ±0.02°, depending on configuration, with data update rates up to 200 Hz. RS485 Modbus, CAN2.0, CANopen and RS485 plus 4-20 mA output options support integration with industrial control and monitoring equipment. The IP67 enclosure, -40°C to 85°C operating range and high shock resistance suit demanding construction environments.

How It Works

During lifting, the SST810 continuously measures the pitch and roll of the hook assembly or suspended load. The crane control system can display the live attitude, calculate the magnitude and direction of sway, and compare the data with project-defined warning thresholds. Operators can then slow or adjust the lifting motion before the oscillation becomes excessive.

Application Value

Real-time swing and attitude information gives operators an additional measurable reference during lifting. It can support smoother load positioning, reduce unnecessary oscillation, improve monitoring around obstacles and help integrate angle-based alarms into the crane safety system.

Typical Applications

This approach is suitable for tower cranes, mobile cranes, gantry cranes, offshore lifting equipment, heavy-component installation and other lifting operations where dynamic hook or load attitude must be observed.

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