About the company and its heavy-lift cranes
Offshore operations require high-precision, fail-safe control systems. A leading offshore crane manufacturer needed bespoke joysticks with integrated features and intuitive operation for use in remote and demanding marine conditions. Althen delivered a full custom joystick solution, from design concept through to plug-and-play integration.
Ergonomic crane operating cabin
An ergonomic cabin with a good overview over the entire terrain and goods to be moved is crucial. Despite the often harsh outside conditons a pleasant indoor climate keeps the operator alert and fit. In the crane cabin the sight lines are integrated with all the window pillars in the right place. In addition to the correct working position, the design of the ergonomic operator seat also takes the optimal arrangement of the controls into account. Including the two joysticks.
ATEX joysticks integrated in the operating seat
As you probably know, ATEX is an EU directive that applies to electrical equipment which is used in a potentially explosive environment. A joystick with ATEX components has one or more potentiometers and/or switches that are ATEX certified. This ensures that these Joysticks can be used safely in hazardous environments, such as oil rigs, mining and chemical plants. Our joysticks with ATEX components can be customized to your demands. Normally you can choose between a 1-, 2- or 3-axis joystick and two different sizes. Proportional signals are archived by potentiometers with a special conductive plastic element. There are different configurations available. One with only switches, the other with only potentiometers or the combination of potentiometers and switches. The potentiometers and switches used on these joysticks are ATEX and IECEX approved.
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Seamless integrationDelivered pre-wired and tested, saving time on installation
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Optimized controlOperators gain intuitive feedback and confidence during complex lifting operations
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Robust designBuilt to withstand harsh marine environments including vibration, salt, and temperature variation
Customized Althen joysticks
In addition, the joysticks we supplied had to be customised to our customer's individual requirements. Our challenge was whether we could get the joysticks integrated into the slim armrests of the ergonomic operating chair. Using a special gearbox we were able to significantly reduce the built-in width of this joystick and make it fit. Also, the potentiometers are activated by a 1:1 ratio connection with the mechanics from the joystick. As a result the joystick moves with a great feelability. The right joystick controls crane lifting up or down from the control seat. The left joystick provides horizontal luffing and vertical movement.
Please contact me
For additional questions about this offshore project or the related joysticks.