Partial Feedback Linearization Control of a Three-Dimensional Overhead Crane

Based on partial feedback linearization, an improved nonlinear controller is analyzed and designed for the three-dimensional motion of an overhead crane. Three control inputs composed of bridge moving, trolley travelling, and cargo hoisting forces are used to drive five state variables consisting of bridge motion, trolley movement, cargo hoisting displacement, and two cargo swing angles. The control scheme is constituted by linearly combining two components that are separately obtained from the nonlinear feedback of actuated and un-actuated states. To verify the quality of the control process, both numerical simulation and experimental study are carried out. The proposed controller asymptotically stabilizes all system states.