Load sensing vehicle lift

Abstract

An electric power set of lift control devices can be configured to determine a load on a motor (112) from a vehicle of unknown weight during operation at a standard lift speed, and use that information to determine a potential speed at which the motor can lift the vehicle while remaining within a safe operating level of the motor. One or more of the size of electric power consumption, the pressure generated by the hydraulic lift, or the sensed weight of the vehicle can be used to provide an indication of the load on the motor and / or the higher potential speed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technology disclosed relates to a system for automatically controlling the speed of a vehicle lift. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle lifts come in different designs and capabilities, including drive-on lifts or ground lifts that lift a parked vehicle by raising the parking surface to allow access to the underside of the vehicle, and frame-engaging lifts that lift a vehicle by contacting structures on the underside frame of the vehicle to allow access to the underside of the vehicle and allow for disassembly or repair of the wheels and tires.

[0003] Lifting a vehicle during service can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. The technician must correctly position the vehicle relative to the lift and ensure that the lifting arm or other lifting structure properly engages the vehicle lifting point before lifting the vehicle, which can take several minutes. The time required to lift a vehicle can depend on the particular type of vehicle lift used and its capabilities, and typically, depending on the desired lift height, can be on the order of 1-2 minutes. During the lift, the technician must continuously observe the lift and can also need to continuously engage a switch, joystick, or other lift control.

[0004] A technician in a high-volume service environment can lift 30 or more vehicles per day, which means that a technician can spend more than an hour in a day activating a button or joystick and observing the lift in motion. In a service environment with ten vehicle lifts, this can equate to ten or more hours of labor per day. As can be seen, increasing the speed at which a lift raises a vehicle can save a service environment a significant amount of time. For example, even a 20% increase in lift speed can result in a reduction of about two hours of labor per day for ten lifts, or over 700 hours per year.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved lift that allows for variable lift speed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] The following drawings and detailed description are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the application as perceived by the inventors.

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary lift;

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a set of control components of the lift in Figure 1

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a set of control components of the lift in Figure 1 ​Figure 1 is a flow chart of an exemplary set of steps that can be performed to control a lift with a variable lift speed;

[0010] Figure 4A Figure 2 is an exemplary set-up schematic of control components that can be used to vary the lift speed using a variable frequency drive;

[0011] Figure 4B Figure 3 is an alternative exemplary set-up schematic of control components that can be used to vary the lift speed using pulse width modulation;

[0012] Figure 5A Figure 4 is an alternative exemplary set-up schematic of control components that can be used to vary the lift speed, including an exemplary current sensor;

[0013] Figure 5B Figure 5 is an alternative exemplary set-up schematic of control components that can be used to vary the lift speed, including a current sensor and a user controller;

[0014] Figure 6 Figure 6 is an alternative exemplary set-up schematic of control components that can be used to vary the lift speed, including an exemplary weight sensor;

[0015] Figure 7 Figure 7 is an alternative exemplary set-up schematic of control components that can be used to vary the lift speed, including an exemplary integrated power unit;

[0016] Figure 8A Figure 8 is an alternative exemplary set-up schematic of control components that can be used to vary the lift speed, including an exemplary hydraulic pump;

[0017] Figure 8B Figure 9 is an alternative exemplary set-up schematic of control components that can be used to vary the lift speed, including a set of hydraulic pumps;

[0018] Figure 9 Figure 10 is a flow chart of an exemplary set of steps that can be performed to determine a variable lift speed;

[0019] Figure 10 Figure 11 is a flow chart of an exemplary set of steps that can be performed to create a variable lift speed data set;

[0020] Figure 11 Figure 12 is a flow chart of an exemplary set of steps that can be performed to identify a fault in a lift in Figure 1

[0021] Figure 12 Figure 13 is a schematic of an exemplary manual control device;

[0022] Figure 13 ​is an alternative exemplary set-up schematic of control components, including a transmission and a lift screw; and

[0023] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary suspension control device that can be used with several disclosed lift systems. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present inventor has conceived novel technology that is disclosed herein for illustrative purposes in the context of a vehicle lift. While the disclosed applications of the present inventor's technology satisfy long-felt needs in the field of automatic vehicle lifts that have gone unaddressed, it should be understood that the present inventor's technology is not limited to implementation in the precise manner set forth herein, but can be implemented in other ways without undue experimentation as would be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the examples set forth herein should be understood as illustrative only and should not be viewed as limiting.

[0025] Turning now to the drawings, Figure 1 An exemplary lift (10) is shown that can be used to lift a vehicle and allow access to the underside of the vehicle for various maintenance tasks. The lift (10) includes a pair of lift columns (100, 104) each having a lifting structure (102, 106). In Figure 2 A set of control components (101) of the lift (10) shown in enlarged view includes a lift controller (108), a variable frequency drive (110), and a motor (112). Some embodiments of the set of control components (101) can not include each of the components shown in Figure 2 and can also include additional components, which are described in greater detail below. The lift (10) can be connected to a power source (not shown) to provide power to the electrical components of the lift. Suitable power sources can vary depending on the particular embodiment of the lift (10), but can include power sources such as: a single phase 220 volt 20 amp AC service, a three phase voltage service, a DC voltage service, or other services suitable for a particular service environment, country, or other application that can be configured to provide a suitable voltage, current, and frequency.

[0026] The lift controller (108) can be one or more of a computer, a circuit board, a microcontroller, a programmable logic controller, a mobile device, a smart phone, a tablet device, a proprietary device, or other device having one or more capabilities such as sending, receiving, analyzing, storing, and modifying data, executing programmed or other logical instructions, and providing control signals or other control instructions to coupled devices. The variable frequency drive (110) can receive electrical energy from a coupled power source and can regulate (e.g., by changing one or more of frequency, current, and voltage) and provide electrical energy to the motor (112) based on its own logic controller, based on instructions from the lift controller (108), or based on both, thereby controlling operation of the motor (112).

[0027] The motor (112) can operate based on one or more of its own logic controller, the lift controller (108), or the variable frequency drive (110), thereby raising and lowering the lift structure (102, 106). The motor (112) can be, for example, a three-phase motor, a single-phase motor, a direct current voltage motor, or other type of motor suitable for a particular lift, service environment, country, or other application. The motor (112) can raise and lower the lift structure (102, 106) by generating mechanical energy that is translated into lifting motion of the lift structure (102, 106) by a mechanical linkage, a hydraulic system, or other system apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the disclosures herein.

[0028] While Figure 1 and Figure 2 The lift (10) shown is usable with the technology disclosed herein, but it should be understood that various other types of lifts are also usable, including, for example, four-post lifts, floor lifts, scissors lifts, portable lifts, and other types of frame-engaging and wheel-engaging lifts having electric lift features such as the motor (112). In some embodiments, the motor (112) can operate at different torque and power levels depending on characteristics of electrical input received from a power source. Conventionally, electric lift systems are designed and rated around a maximum load capacity, so the speed of the motor used to drive such conventional systems will typically be selected and configured based on the maximum load capacity.

[0029] For example, a lift rated to lift a 10,000 pound vehicle will have a motor configured to lift the lift at a static speed, the motor of such a system capable of lifting a 10,000 pound vehicle without exceeding the motor's ability to safely receive and convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, exceeding which can cause the motor to overheat or be damaged, or can simply exceed the motor's maximum torque. While operating at this static speed is suitable for a 10,000 pound vehicle, it can result in unnecessarily slow lift speeds for vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds. For example, if the same lift is used to lift a 5,000 pound vehicle, the motor can provide the same static lift speed, but have the ability to lift at approximately twice the speed. As many common passenger vehicles weigh between 2,500 and 3,500 pounds, it can be seen that a highly rated lift can result in unnecessarily slow lift speeds for many vehicles used with the lift.

[0030] To improve upon conventional limitations, Figure 1 The illustrated lift (10) includes a control system capable of reactively optimizing lift speed between constant torque and constant horsepower based on the weight of a particular vehicle, based on user control, or both. For example, Figure 3 A flowchart of an example set of steps (200) is shown that can be performed with a lift such as the lift (10) in Figure 1 The lift (10) of the lift (10) in can be performed to facilitate control of the lift at variable, optimized lift speeds. One or more steps can be performed by or using the lift controller (108), the variable frequency drive (110), the motor (112), or other components, and in some embodiments, can be performed by one or more such components configured as a speed controller. The steps (200) include positioning (202) a vehicle appropriately relative to the lift (10), which can include a technician driving the vehicle to a position where the lift structure (102, 106) can reach the vehicle lifting point. The lift (10) can then engage (204) the vehicle lifting point, which can include manual or automatic rotation, extension, or lifting of one or more portions of the lift structure (102, 106) until the portions contact or nearly contact the vehicle lifting point. The lift (10) can then be operated (e.g., manually by a user interacting with a switch, lever, pendant, wireless controller, or other device in communication with the set of control components (101), or automatically by a lift automation system in communication with the set of control components (101)) to cause the lift structure (102, 106) to lift (206) at a standard or default speed, causing the vehicle to be lifted from the ground and the entire weight of the vehicle to be taken by the lift structure (102, 106).

[0031] When the vehicle is fully supported by the lifting structure (102, 106), one or more components of the set of control components (101) (e.g., the lift controller (108), the variable frequency drive (110)) can determine (208) a potential lift speed based on feedback to the set of control components (101) generated during a full weight lift of the vehicle. This can include, for example, a load signal, load information, or a load measurement (referred to herein as "load") indicative of an amount of current or power drawn from a power source in lifting (206) the vehicle (initially at a standard speed), a measured weight of the vehicle supported by the lifting structure (102, 106), a pressure generated by a hydraulic system lifting the vehicle, or other information associated with the load of the vehicle on the lifting structure (102, 106), one or more of which can be used to determine a maximum potential speed at which the motor can operate without stalling or damaging itself. After the potential lift speed is determined (208), the set of lift components (101) can then begin lifting (210) the lifting structure (102, 106) at a variable speed, such as the determined (208) potential lift speed or a lower configured maximum speed (e.g., to prevent the lift from moving at an unsafe speed when there is no load or a very light load).

[0032] The set of control components (101) can be configured and set in various ways to facilitate determining (208) a potential lift speed when the vehicle load is supported by the lifting structure (102, 106). For example, Figure 4A An illustrative diagram showing an example setup of control components (300) that can be used to vary a lift speed is shown. A power source (302) can have substantially similar features as the power sources described above with respect to Figure 1 and can be configured to provide electrical energy to the control components (300). A variable frequency drive (304) having substantially similar features as the variable frequency drive (110) can receive electrical energy from the power source (302) and operate a motor (306) based on input from a lift controller (308). The lift controller (308) can have substantially similar features as the lift controller (108), and the motor (306) can have substantially similar features as the motor (112). Operation of the motor (306) can cause a lifting structure (310) to be raised. For example, the lifting structure (310) can be a lifting arm of a two-column lift, such as the lifting structures (102, 106), a wheel-engaging structure of various types of lifts, a frame-engaging structure of various types of lifts, or other suitable structure lifting mechanisms.

[0033] During operation of the motor (306) (e.g., as a result of manual input via a button, lever, or other user device, or as a result of an automated motion), the lift controller (308) will transmit a control signal (e.g., a speed command in hertz) to the variable frequency drive (304) indicating the operating characteristic (e.g., torque, power, rotational speed) that the motor (306) should operate at in order to lift the lift structure (310) at a desired rate, which can be, for example, a standard or default speed of the lift, such as a rated weight speed. In response to the signal, the variable frequency drive (304) will obtain electrical energy from the power source (302), condition the electrical energy for use by the motor (306) to produce the desired lifting speed, and provide the electrical energy to the motor (306).

[0034] The amount of electrical energy obtained by the variable frequency device (304) (e.g., in amperes) will depend on the amount of electrical energy required to lift the lift structure (310) and any load located thereon, which, under normal circumstances (e.g., excluding hardware malfunctions, poor maintenance, high heat, and other abnormal factors that would occur to those skilled in the art), will depend substantially on the weight of the vehicle or other load being lifted. The variable frequency drive (304) can determine the amount of electrical energy obtained and provide this information to the lift controller (308) via a feedback signal, which can adjust the control signal (e.g., the speed command in hertz) provided to the variable frequency drive (304) to increase the amount of electrical energy obtained, such that the lifting speed is increased.

[0035] In practice, the control component (300) determines (208) a potential speed by using a feedback loop between the lift controller (308) and the variable frequency drive (304) in which the maximum lifting speed of the lift structure (310) is determined for a particular vehicle or load based on the electrical energy obtained, and then the vehicle is lifted at that speed (or closer to that speed). The feedback loop can determine and increase the speed in a single cycle (e.g., the maximum speed can be determined and adjusted directly at the standard speed) or in multiple cycles (e.g., the speed can be adjusted incrementally over several cycles until the maximum speed, target speed, or other configured speed is reached).

[0036] There are other variations in aspects applicable to the setup, configuration, and capabilities of the control component used to determine (208) the potential speed. For example, Figure 4B A schematic diagram showing alternative exemplary setups of the control component (301) that can be used to vary the lift speed is shown. Figure 4B The control component (301) in Figure 4AThe control component (300) in the control component (300) shares several features, including a motor (306), a lift structure (310), a power source (302), and a lift controller (308). The lift controller (308) can be configured to provide control signals to the motor (306) such that the motor (306) draws power from the power source (302) and operates to raise or lower the lift structure (310). To provide variable lift performance (e.g., variable speed (210)), the lift controller (308) can be configured to provide pulse width modulation (PWM) of the control signals transmitted to the motor (306) in order to vary and achieve a desired operating speed of the motor (306).

[0037] The control component (301) also includes a motor sensor (309) coupled to the motor (306) and configured to determine one or more characteristics of the current operation of the motor (306). For example, the motor sensor (309) can be implemented as one or more of a tachometer that monitors the commutation of a shaft or other movable component of the motor (306), a Hall sensor that monitors the motor (306) electrical output indicative of performance, a back-EMF sensor that monitors the motor (306) electrical output indicative of performance, or other sensors configured to measure mechanical, electrical, or other characteristics of the motor (306). The output from the motor sensor (309) can be provided to the lift controller (308) and used (e.g., as part of a continuous or intermittent feedback loop) to generate a pulse width modulation control signal that will cause the lift to be raised at a desired speed (e.g., variable speed (210)) based on the determined (208) potential speed. As Figure 4B The control component (301) does not require a variable frequency drive (304), so this implementation can be used as Figure 4A an alternative or redundant addition to the control component (300) in the control component (300).

[0038] As another example of a variation, Figure 5A A schematic diagram showing an alternative exemplary setup of a control component (311) that can be used to vary the lift speed is shown. The control component (311) includes a current sensor (313) that receives electrical power from a power source (312), the power source (312) having substantially similar features to the power source (302); a variable frequency drive (314) having substantially similar features to the variable frequency drive (304); a motor (316) having substantially similar features to the motor (306) and operable to raise a lift structure (320), the lift structure (320) having substantially similar features to the lift structure (310); and a lift controller (318) having substantially similar features to the lift controller (308)

[0039] The operation of the control component (311) is similar to Figure 4AThe illustrated control component (300) differs from the control component (301) in that the current sensor (313) is disposed in series and detects the magnitude of current drawn by the variable frequency drive (314) from the power supply (312) and provides this information to the lift controller (318) to facilitate generation of a speed change feedback loop. In this way, the lift controller (318) can determine (208) a potential lift speed based on one or more measurements of current from the current sensor (313) and provide a signal to the variable frequency drive (314) to cause it to operate the motor (316) accordingly. While some conventional variable frequency drives are capable of detecting and reporting the electrical power drawn (e.g., such as the variable frequency drive (304)), others are not. Several advantages provided by the control component (311) include enabling the feedback loop when the variable frequency drive (314) is unable to report electrical power consumption to the lift controller (318), thereby providing redundant reporting of electrical power consumption to improve accuracy or stability, providing more immediate reporting of electrical power draw to the lift controller (318) (e.g., the current sensor (313) can be positioned and configured to provide information to the lift controller (318) more quickly than the variable frequency drive (314)).

[0040] As another example of a variation of a control component, Figure 5B A schematic diagram illustrating an alternative example arrangement of a control component (315) is shown. Figure 4B The control component (301) in Figure 5A The control component (311) in shares several features with the control component (315), including the motor (316), the lift structure (320), the power supply (312), the lift controller (318), and the current sensor (313). The control component (315) is configured to allow manual determination and control of variable speed (210) through a manual controller (319) in communication with the lift controller (318). Figure 12 A schematic diagram of an example manual controller (700) is shown in which a display (702) and a speed controller (704) are included, the speed controller shown as two buttons that can selectively increase or decrease the speed of the lift, respectively. As can be seen, the display (702) shows a bar graph that illustrates the current lift amperage relative to the maximum amperage. In some embodiments, the display (702) can also display the current speed of the lift (e.g., a speed that can be determined or estimated as described elsewhere herein) and the determined (208) maximum speed.

[0041] Interaction between the user and the hand controller (319) (e.g., through the speed controller (704)) will cause the hand controller (319) to provide a control signal to the lift controller (318). The lift controller (318) itself is configured to provide a control signal to the motor (316) to cause the motor (316) to draw power from the power source (312) and operate, and can additionally be configured to generate and provide a control signal based on the control signal from the hand controller (319). In this way, the user can manually control the lift speed through the hand controller (319) and simultaneously observe the speed of the lift, amperage, or other detectable characteristic until the desired speed is achieved. Additionally, the control component (315) further includes a fault protection circuit (317), which can be, for example, a fuse, a thermal switch, or other circuit protector configured to prevent a dangerous amount of power from being drawn from the power source (312). When a dangerous condition is detected, the fault protection circuit (317) can, for example, reduce the current lift speed or prevent further increases in the current lift speed, or can completely disable lift operation. The hand controller (319) and the current sensor (313) can be in wireless or wired communication with each other, and they can communicate directly or indirectly (e.g., via the lift controller (318)), as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.

[0042] As another example of a control component variation, Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing an alternative exemplary setup of a control component (321) that can be used to vary the lift speed is shown. Figure 6 The variation shown in FIG. 3B includes a power source (322), a variable frequency drive (324), a motor (326), a lift controller (328), and a lift structure (330), each of which has substantially similar features as the corresponding components described with respect to Figure 4A FIG. 3B. Figure 6 A weight sensor (323) is also shown in FIG. 3B, which is connected to the lift structure (330) and configured to sense the weight of a load supported by the lift structure (330).

[0043] When the lift is lifting at the standard speed, the weight sensor (323) determines the weight of the load and provides a signal indicative of the load weight to the lift controller (328). The lift controller (328) can use the determined load weight to query or compare to a database or data set to determine (208) a potential speed for the lifting operation of the lift. Table 1 shows an exemplary correlation table that the lift controller (328) can use to determine a potential speed based on information from the weight sensor (323), which can be used for a lift with a maximum current draw of 20 amps and configured to operate at a standard speed suitable for a 10,000 pound vehicle. The first column shows the current draw for vehicles of different weights at the standard lifting speed, the second column shows the vehicle weight associated with that current draw, and the third column shows the maximum potential speed for that weight of vehicle, which is expressed as a percentage of the standard speed. It should be understood that the potential speed can be determined (208) in other ways besides using a correlation table as shown in Table 1, and such variations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the disclosure herein. A correlation table such as shown in Table 1 can be created or configured manually at the time of manufacture or installation of the lift, or can be created in real-time using a lift with a control system having, for example, a current sensor (313) and a weight sensor (323), which will be described in greater detail below.

[0044] Pressure at standard speed (pounds per square inch) Vehicle weight (pounds) Maximum potential speed 5 2500 400％ 10 5000 200％ 15 7500 133％ 20 10000 100％

[0045] Table 1: Exemplary Correlation Table for Load Weight

[0046] As yet another example, Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing an alternative exemplary configuration of control components (331) that can be used to vary the lift speed is shown. Figure 7 The shown variation includes a power supply (332), a variable frequency drive (334), a motor (336), a lift controller (338), and a lift structure (340), each having substantially similar features as the corresponding components described above with respect to Figure 4A (e.g., power supply (302), variable frequency drive (304), motor (306), lift controller (308), and lift structure (310)). Figure 7 An integrated power unit (IPU) (333) is also shown in FIG. 12, which can be a single housing or components including the relevant components (e.g., lift controller (338), variable frequency drive (334), and motor (336)). The operation of using the integrated power unit (333) to determine (208) a potential speed is substantially similar to the operation described above with respect to Figures 4A-5BSimilar to the example in FIG. 3, this is because the determined electrical power consumption magnitude can be used with a feedback loop to determine and adjust to a potential speed. Advantages of the integrated power unit (333) can include the ability to couple and position the hoist controller (338) and the variable frequency drive (334) in a manner that shortens the distance traveled by signals that travel via the communication path between the hoist controller (338) and the variable frequency drive (334), and to improve the speed and efficiency of the transmission of feedback loop signals between the hoist controller (338) and the variable frequency drive (334). Another advantage of the integrated power unit (333) can be ease of retrofitting existing hoists to allow variable hoisting speeds, for example, in cases where the integrated power unit (333) is adapted to be coupled to a motor bracket on the hoist structure (350).

[0047] As another example of a set of control components, Figure 8A A schematic diagram showing an alternative example arrangement of control components (341) that can be used to vary hoisting speed is shown. Figure 8A The illustrated variant includes a power source (342), a motor (346), a hoist controller (348), and a hoist structure (350), each of which has features substantially similar to those described with respect to Figure 4A The described corresponding components (e.g., power source (302), motor (306), hoist controller (308), and hoist structure (310)) are substantially similar. The control components (341) also include a hydraulic pump (343) that can be operated by one or more of the motor (346) and the hoist controller (348) to hoist the hoist structure (350). The hydraulic pump (343) can be, for example, a variable displacement hydraulic pump that is powered by the motor (346) and operated at varying flow rates to vary the hoisting speed based on signals from the hoist controller (348).

[0048] When the hydraulic pump (343) is operated at a standard hoisting speed, a pressure sensor of the hydraulic pump (343) can sense a hydraulic pressure level within the system that is related to the load weight carried by the hoist structure (350). Similar to the example in FIG. 3, Figure 6 Similar to the example in FIG. 3, the information indicative of the load weight carried by the hoist structure (350) can be used to determine (208) a potential hoisting speed by looking up or comparing to values in a database or data set. Table 2 below shows an example of a pressure correlation table that can be used to determine (208) a potential hoisting speed. The first column shows the percentage of maximum working pressure at a standard hoisting speed for various weights of vehicles detected by the hydraulic pump (343), the second column shows the vehicle weight associated with that pressure, and the third column shows the maximum potential speed for that weight of vehicle, expressed as a percentage of the standard speed.

[0049] Pressure at standard speed (pounds per square inch) Vehicle weight (pounds) Maximum potential speed 25％ 2500 400％ 50％ 5000 200％ 75％ 7500 133％ 100％ 10000 100％

[0050] Table 2: Correlation Table of Exemplary Pump Pressures

[0051] As another example of a variation of the control component, Figure 8B A schematic diagram showing an alternative exemplary configuration of the control unit (351) is provided. Figure 8B Control component 351 and Figure 8A The control components (341) share several features, including a motor (346), a lifting structure (350), a power supply (342), a lifting controller (348), and a hydraulic pump (343). The control components (351) may also include one or more additional hydraulic pumps or hydraulic pump sections, such as hydraulic pump (n-1) (345) and hydraulic pump (n) (347). The hydraulic pump (343) is directly coupled to the drive cylinder (353) for raising and lowering the lifting structure (350). The remaining pumps (345, 347) are coupled to the drive cylinder (353) via a set of bypass valves (349), which are configured to selectively open and close based on control signals from the lifting controller (348).

[0052] During operation of the control unit (351), the motor (346) operates each hydraulic pump (343, 345, 347) to lift the lifting structure (350). During this operation, the hydraulic pump (343) applies a first level of hydraulic flow to the drive cylinder (343), which corresponds to a default lifting speed (e.g., standard speed (206)). Each of the other hydraulic pumps (345, 347) is capable of applying additional flow to the drive cylinder (353) depending on the configuration of the bypass valve (349).

[0053] For example, the lift controller (348) can open each bypass valve (349) to release additional flow from the hydraulic pumps (345, 347) (e.g., by redirecting pressurized fluid back to the tank) instead of applying it to the drive cylinder (353). This does not apply any additional flow to the drive cylinder (353), but rather maintains or reduces the load applied to the motor (346). Similarly, the lift controller (348) can adjust the bypass valves (349) so that one or both of the hydraulic pumps (345, 347) apply flow to the drive cylinder (353) to increase the load applied to the motor (346), which in turn increases the lifting speed of the lifting structure (350).

[0054] In the above configuration, it can be seen that the lift controller (348) is able to drive the drive cylinder (353) at varying levels of hydraulic flow and corresponding speeds dependent on the lift load. Varying lift characteristics can be achieved by varying the control signals provided to the motor (346), the bypass valves (349), or both, to support a wide range of performance. As an example, this can include operating the lift (e.g., the hydraulic pump (343) only lifting) at a standard speed to lift (206) the lift, and measuring the load on the motor (346) to determine (208) a potential speed, as already described. The lift controller (348) can then adjust the operation of the motor (346), close one or more of the bypass valves (349), or both, to cause the lift to lift (210) at a variable speed. These adjustments can be made gradually as part of a feedback loop until the potential speed (208) is reached (e.g., or a maximum safe speed based on the measured load is reached). Furthermore, the performance characteristics of each pump (343, 345, 347) or pump portion can vary to provide further variability (e.g., one pump or pump portion can be able to provide force x, while a second pump or pump portion can be able to provide force 1 / x, such that one pump is suited for large increases in lift speed and motor load, while the second pump is suited for fine control of lift speed and motor load).

[0055] As another example of a control component variation, Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing an alternative exemplary setup of a control component (800) is shown. The control component (800) includes several features similar to those already described, such as a lift controller (804), a motor (806), a power source (808), and a lift structure (816). The load sensor (802) can be implemented in different ways, and can include any of the components or systems disclosed herein that are capable of measuring a performance or generating data that can be used to determine (208) a potential speed at which the lift can operate, and can include, for example, one or more of a variable frequency drive (304), a motor sensor (309), a current sensor (313), a weight sensor (323), or other sensors or tools. Regardless of the form, the load sensor (802) can be configured to generate and transmit data as one or more signals indicative of a current electrical load (e.g., power consumption) on the motor (806) or other performance metric of the lift (e.g., power consumption from the power source (808)), and to communicate with the lift controller (804) to determine (208) a potential speed.

[0056] The control component (800) also includes a transmission (812) coupled to the lift screw (814), which is itself coupled to a lifting structure (816) and operable to raise and lower the lifting structure (816) (e.g., a ball screw lift). The transmission (812) is capable of transmitting power from the motor (806) to the lift screw (814), and can include a set of gears or include continuously variable gears to allow power to be transmitted from the motor (806) at varying transmission ratios, varying rotational directions (e.g., an upward direction and a downward direction), or both. The lift controller (804) can be configured to operate the motor (806) and the transmission (812) to vary the motor operating characteristics, the transmission ratio, or both, to achieve varying lift speeds according to feedback from the load sensor (802). The control component (800) can also include a variable frequency drive (e.g., the variable frequency drive (304)), or the lift controller (804) can be configured to support pulse width modulation control of the motor (806), or both, to provide further variable control over the rotational speed of the lift screw (814). In this way, the lift controller (804) can determine (208) a potential lift speed based on feedback from the load sensor (802), then vary the operation of the motor (806), vary the transmission ratio of the transmission (812), or both, to cause the lift screw (814) to rotate at a corresponding speed, to cause the lift to raise (210) at a variable speed.

[0057] As can be seen from the above examples, the information provided by different components can be used alone or in combination with other information to determine (208) a potential lift speed. As an example abstracted from a particular implementation of a control component, Figure 9A flowchart showing a set of exemplary steps (400) that can be performed to determine (208) a potential lift speed is shown. These steps can be performed by one or more of the lift controller (108), the variable frequency drive (110), the motor (112), or other devices with the ability to receive and process information. Initially, the device can receive information from one or more sources, which can include receiving (402) information indicative of the weight of the vehicle being supported (e.g., information generated by the weight sensor (323)), receiving (404) information indicative of the size of the electrical load while lifting the vehicle (e.g., information generated by the variable frequency drive (304), the current sensor (313), or the variable frequency drive (334)), or receiving information indicative of the hydraulic pressure generated while lifting the vehicle (e.g., information generated by the hydraulic pump (343) or a sensor connected to the hydraulic system). The information received (402, 404, 406) can be in the form of electrical signals indicative of the varying characteristics of the sensor's raw measurements, can be in the form of integer or binary encoded data, or can take other suitable forms. The weight information can be received from sensors located on the lift, remote sensors such as tire scales, vehicle information databases, or other sources as would occur to those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure.

[0058] With one or more types of information available, the system can then determine (408) the electrical load on the motor (112) during the preceding vehicle operation. It will be apparent that determining (408) the electrical load is one of several different ways to normalize these different data sets, and other approaches can be suitable (e.g., normalizing the received (404) electrical load to the vehicle weight, rather than normalizing the received (402) vehicle weight to the electrical load). Regardless of the specific transformation of the data, one goal is to provide a reference point between the received (402, 404, 406) data and the maximum potential electrical load operable by the motor (112).

[0059] In the illustrated step (400), this step can include receiving (402) the vehicle weight, and then determining (408) the electrical load associated with lifting the vehicle by querying or comparing against a database or data set such as that shown in Table 1. This step can also include receiving (404) a signal indicative of the electrical load, and determining (408) the electrical load based on this signal, which can require little or no conversion or manipulation (e.g., the electrical load can be rounded up or down, converted from a raw signal to an integer, or otherwise adjusted to be usable). Step (400) can also include receiving (406) the pump pressure, and determining (408) the electrical load associated with lifting the vehicle at this pressure by using a query or comparison against a database or data set such as that shown in Table 2. This step can also include using two or more sets of the received (402, 404, 406) data in combination to determine (408) the electrical load, for example the vehicle weight and electrical power consumption can be used in combination to determine (408) the electrical load, which can provide some of the advantages described below. Other variations exist, for example the determination (408) of the electrical load can also be performed using various conversion equations (e.g., a function mapping weight or pressure to a corresponding electrical load).

[0060] After the electrical load is determined (408) or otherwise the received data is standardized, the device can then determine (410) the maximum electrical load that the motor (112) or other control component is capable of supporting. This value can be configured and stored on the motor (112), lift controller (108), or other device, or can be determined based on the attached power supply, or can be determined through incremental speed increases using a feedback loop until the static safety features of the motor (112) or other device prevent further increases. Once the maximum performance is determined (410), the device can then determine (412) the lift speed increase that the motor (112) is capable of performing. As described above, this determination (412) can be performed once or multiple times, and used to immediately or incrementally lift (210) the vehicle at a new variable speed. The determination (412) of the speed increase can be performed, for example, by comparing the current electrical power load to the maximum electrical power load, by querying or comparing against a data set or correlation table such as that shown in Table 1 or Table 2, by using a conversion equation (e.g., a function converting the electrical power load at a current speed to a target maximum speed or potential speed increase), or through other methods.

[0061] Some advantages of providing a set of control components that receive multiple sources of information that can be used to determine (412) a speed increase (e.g., from permanently installed or integrated components and sensors, or from temporarily installed or integrated components and sensors, such as a current sensor (313) that is temporarily added to the control components (321)) are component redundancy, fault detection, and data correlation. As an example, Figure 10 A flowchart of a set of exemplary steps (500) that can be performed to create a variable lift speed data set, such as shown in Table 1 or Table 2, or a similar data set, is shown. In the case where a device in the control components receives (504) an electrical load, then receives (502) a vehicle weight or receives (506) a pump pressure, or both, the device can store and correlate such data to facilitate creating (508) a correlated data set.

[0062] For example, in the case where a weight sensor (323) generates data indicating that a 3000 pound vehicle was lifted for a period of time, and a current sensor (313) indicates that 10 amps were consumed for the same period of time, such information can be used to correlate the 10 amps of current with the 3000 pound vehicle. Multiple such data points can be collected or extrapolated (e.g., it can be estimated that a vehicle weighing 2000 pounds can consume approximately 6.6 amps at a standard lift speed), and then used to determine (412) a potential speed increase. In implementations where the current sensor (313) is temporarily added to the control components, the current sensor (313) can be removed after a usable correlation table has been created. Although Figure 10 A set of exemplary steps that can be performed to automatically create a correlation table or similar data set is shown, but it should be understood that such data sets can also be manually created and configured based on testing, simulation, or other considerations.

[0063] As an example of fault detection, Figure 11 A flowchart of a set of exemplary steps (600) that can be performed to identify the presence of a faulty component is shown. In the case where a device in the control components receives (604) an electrical load, then receives (602) a vehicle weight or receives (606) a pump pressure, or both, the device can compare the data to a historical data set (e.g., a correlation table or a conversion function) or a global data set (e.g., a global correlation table associated with the performance of multiple similar lifts under new conditions), and determine (608) whether the performance of one or more components matches (608) historical performance.

[0064] In the case where the current performance of the component does match (608) the past performance, the apparatus can provide an indication of normal operation (610), which can include, for example, a positive status indicator or no alarm, an update to stored records or information (e.g., updating an association table or historical performance data to reflect normal performance at that date and time), or other similar indications. For example, if a particular vehicle lift is used when a vehicle weighing 3000 pounds is determined (e.g., based on information generated by the weight sensor (323)) and the new lift produces data indicating that the current draw is 10 amps (e.g., generated by the current sensor (313)), then a later use of the vehicle producing similar results can indicate that the operation of the control components has not changed substantially since installation.

[0065] In the case where the current performance of the component does not match (608) the past performance data or the global performance data, the apparatus can generate (612) a warning indicating that the performance has changed relative to the past performance data or the global performance data. The mismatch (608) in performance information can be caused by a variety of reasons, including a failure or incorrect calibration of a sensor (e.g., the current sensor (313) can begin reporting inaccurate electrical loads, or the weight sensor (323) begins reporting inaccurate vehicle weights), a decrease in performance of the motor (112) or the variable frequency drive (110) (e.g., the motor (112) begins requiring greater electrical loads under new conditions due to aging, use, lack of maintenance, temperature, or other factors), a decrease in performance of the hydraulic pump (343) (e.g., the hydraulic pump (343) is unable to maintain or generate pressure under new conditions), and other reasons. Continuing the example above, if the historical data or global parameters indicate that a brand new lift will consume 10 amps when lifting a 3000 pound vehicle at a standard speed, and the currently received information indicates that the lift consumes 12 amps when lifting a 3000 pound vehicle at a standard speed, then this can indicate that the motor (112) needs service, or that the current sensor (313) is malfunctioning.

[0066] The generated (612) warning can include, for example, a visual or audible warning, a text warning, an electronic communication transmitted to another apparatus over a network, and other variations apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the disclosure herein. The generated (612) warning can be used to indicate a change in one or more components in the system affecting system performance. The specific source of the failure or performance change can not be immediately known, but such a warning is still advantageous in indicating that an inspection or maintenance of the system is needed. As another example, for a set of control components including a variable frequency drive (110), a current sensor (313), and a weight sensor (323), a change in performance can be determined more quickly due to the redundancy of electrical load reporting.

[0067] Figure 11 Other features and variations exist in the steps. For example, when tracking the use and performance of lift components as part of comparing with historical data (608), the lift controller or other computing device may additionally track and store a lift usage dataset, which may include, for example, lift cycles, lift operating time, lift load over time, and other usage characteristics, and may be further configured to provide various maintenance notifications based on this dataset. This may include tracking motor operation and associating it with a real-time timer to generate a usage schedule. For example, the system may be configured to determine the estimated wear and / or remaining life of high-wear items (e.g., equalizer cables) and may generate warnings (612) based on usage rather than on detected (608) performance changes to provide or implement maintenance plans for such items. Other preventative maintenance and inspection tasks may also be communicated through the generated (612) warnings and may include, for example, maintenance, replacement, or inspection tasks related to vehicle adapters, lubrication points, torque anchor bolts, and hydraulic fluid.

[0068] Identify and generate (612) warnings related to maintenance, inspection, and replacement using, for example Figure 5A The control unit shown may be particularly advantageous when implemented, as a current sensor (313) can be used to determine the load on the motor (316) and, accordingly, the weight of the vehicle being lifted. While such a system can be configured to generate (612) a warning based on direct tracking of usage (e.g., the number of lifting and lowering cycles, total operating time), it can also be configured to generate (612) a warning based on determined or generated usage indicators. For example, this could include accelerating the maintenance schedule for one or more components of the lift by a configured amount for each lifting cycle of a vehicle exceeding the configured weight (e.g., the lifting cycle for a vehicle exceeding 10,000 pounds could be counted as 1.8 lifting cycles based on usage history, while a normal lifting cycle could be assessed as 1.0 lifting cycle). As another example, this could include tracking such use individually, so that specific maintenance tasks are indicated for every 15 lifting cycles that meet such criteria (e.g., checking the hydraulic seals after every 15 lifting cycles for vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or more), or for every 250,000 pounds of weight lifted in such lifting cycles (e.g., for vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or more, checking the hydraulic seals after each set of lifting cycles once the total set weight reaches 250,000 pounds).

[0069] As a supplement or alternative to tracking and influencing usage based on the determined weight of the vehicle being lifted, usage can be tracked based on the load measured by the current sensor (313) and a warning generated (612). For example, where the detected electrical load on the motor (316) exceeds a configured threshold (e.g., a threshold indicative of normal usage, such as a standard load on the motor (316) when lifting a 5000 pound vehicle at a standard speed (206), usage above such a threshold can indicate the use of an optimized or dynamic lift speed feature, or a very heavy vehicle lift), the related usage can be tracked at an increased rate to facilitate accelerated maintenance schedules (e.g., operating time below the threshold can be logged as 1.0 seconds / second, while operation above the threshold can be logged as 1.8 seconds / second) or can be tracked separately and associated with specific maintenance tasks already described (e.g., check equalizer cable for every 50 lift cycles above the load threshold).

[0070] As another example, the lift controller or other computing device can track motor performance (e.g., speed, cycle time) and create a historical dataset describing the minimum and maximum heights to which the lift structure has been raised or lowered. Such information can be advantageously used to suggest features of the installation location of the lift (e.g., height of the ceiling), or can be used to determine locations and applications for which a different lift can be more suitable.

[0071] As another example, the lift controller or other computing device can be configured to receive temperature data from temperature sensors located on or near the lift controller itself, the motor, the variable frequency drive, or other components of the lift system. Temperature information can be saved and correlated with usage of the motor and other detectable lift conditions to produce a timeline of the effects of heat on lift operation. Such a dataset can be advantageously used to identify the cause of heat effects and / or correlate with performance of the motor or other components of the system.

[0072] As another example, the lift controller or other computing device can be configured to integrate with a store management system of the premises in which the lift is used. This can allow individual vehicle lifts to report to a central system when in use or available, based on the operation of the motor or information from weight sensors on the lift structure, or can allow the lift controller to generate (612) a warning when the weight of the vehicle currently being lifted does not match the expected weight of the vehicle assigned to that lift.

[0073] Figure 14 A perspective view of an example suspension control device (900) is shown, which can be configured to be used in a vehicle lift as described herein Figure 3Any publicly disclosed control components in the steps described herein. The suspension control device (900) may communicate with a lift controller (e.g., lift controller (308)) and provide a human-machine interface that allows a user to provide control signals that affect the operation of the lift controller. The suspension control device (900) includes a first button (902) that, when pressed, communicates with the lift controller to lift the lifting structure at a first speed. The first speed may be, for example, a standard speed (206) or a predetermined percentage of a standard speed (e.g., 50% of the standard speed, 25% of the standard speed, etc.). When pressed, the first button (902) may provide a nearly static lifting speed and may facilitate fine-tuning of the lifting structure, such as when a user visually positions the lift to ensure engagement (204) with the vehicle.

[0074] The second button (904) can be configured to dynamically lift the lifting structure at a variable speed when pressed, the variable speed using, for example, Figure 3 The steps shown are used to determine this. This allows the user to lift the lifting structure at an optimized speed, which is determined and achieved using an incremental or continuous feedback loop, as described herein. For example, an intermittent feedback loop can be configured to determine (208) and adjust (210) the subsequent variable speed once per second, while a continuous feedback loop can be configured to determine (208) and adjust (210) the subsequent variable speed as soon as possible, as the processing components, sensors, and signal connections allow. Alternatively or additionally, either method of optimizing the lifting speed may be limited by a maximum acceleration step size per cycle or per second, such that the increase from the standard (206) lifting speed to the variable (210) lifting speed can occur over a period of time, allowing for stable acceleration that does not startle the user or destabilize the lifted vehicle or other load.

[0075] The third button (906) can be configured to lower the lifting structure at a static speed or a variable speed when pressed, the variable speed being influenced by gravity or a specific mechanism of the vehicle lift. For example, the third button (906) can cause the pressurized hydraulic component to release fluid under gravity, or cause the lifting screw to rotate in the descent direction under gravity.

[0076] The pendant control device (900) also includes a port (908) that allows for a wired physical connection to the lift controller, variable frequency drive, motor, or other components. In some embodiments, the pendant control device (900) can instead be wirelessly connected (e.g., via WI-FI, Bluetooth, or other wireless communication). In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the buttons (902, 904, 906), the pendant control device (900) can include a dial or joystick for operating the lift at a standard speed or a scaled version of the standard speed or a dynamically optimized speed. In some embodiments, the pendant control device (900) can include a light emitting diode or other display, which can be a touch screen, and can provide a software user interface that allows the lift to be raised at a static or dynamic speed by interacting with virtual buttons. In some embodiments, the software user interface can be configured on or accessed via a device other than the pendant control device (900), such as a smartphone, tablet, or proprietary computing device. In some embodiments, the lift system can include multiple pendant control devices (900) or other control devices positioned around the lift area, enabling a user to control the lift from either side of the vehicle.

[0077] Other features and variations of the disclosed system and control components exist. For example, in some embodiments, the variable frequency drive can be configured to operate the motor in a forward or reverse direction, which can allow for speed optimization when the vehicle is descending, rather than relying on gravity or mechanical limitations of the structure. Such an embodiment can be implemented as a bi-directional hydraulic pump system that is capable of operating the hydraulic pump in reverse to facilitate lowering the lift structure at a desired speed, rather than relying on gravity and / or fluid dynamics to control the lowering speed.

[0078] In such embodiments, the variable frequency drive can be configured to operate the motor in reverse at a desired output to facilitate providing a controlled lowering speed and prevent sudden or uncontrolled lowering. In this manner, the variable frequency drive can meter the rate at which fluid is returned to the reservoir and determine the current lowering speed based thereon, and can prevent the lowering speed from exceeding a configured speed (e.g., which can be arbitrarily determined or can be based on laws or regulations). Determination of the lowering speed based on fluid metering can also be used to determine and provide an optimized lowering speed (e.g., based on the amount of fluid released from the system, the weight of the load, etc.) that can be gradually reached and maintained using steps similar to those in Figure 3 Advantageously, the system as described above allows for controlled and optimized raising and lowering speeds.

[0079] In some embodiments, the descent speed of the system can be controlled and optimized through the use of regenerative components that are capable of converting force or heat into electrical charge for storage in an attached battery. The attached battery can be configured to consume electrical charge when lifting the vehicle (e.g., by providing electrical charge to the motor) and then at least partially be recharged when lowering the vehicle. As already described, the rate of charge of the battery can also be measured and used with information such as the weight of the vehicle to determine the current descent speed of the vehicle, which can be used when controlling or optimizing the descent speed.

[0080] The following examples pertain to various non-limiting ways in which the teachings herein can be combined and applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit the coverage of any claims that can be presented in this application or in any future applications that claim priority to this application. No admission is made that any aspect of the following examples is essential or critical. The following examples are provided only as illustration of the various teachings herein. Various modifications can be made to the following examples without departing from the scope of the teachings herein. It is further noted that some of the aspects of the following examples can not be relied upon to support the patentability of any future claims and are presented simply as illustration of the teachings herein.

[0081] Example 1

[0082] A system of lift control components, comprising: a motor operable to lift a lifting structure, and a controller configured to regulate electrical power from a power source and provide the regulated electrical power to the motor, wherein the controller is configured to: operate the motor to lift the lifting structure at a first lift speed; determine a load on the motor; determine a second lift speed based on the load on the motor, wherein the second lift speed is faster than the first lift speed; and operate the motor to lift the lifting structure at the second lift speed.

[0083] Example 2

[0084] The system of lift control components of Example 1, the controller comprising: a lift controller; and a variable frequency drive configured to: operate the motor, determine the load on the motor as a function of the amount of electrical power drawn from the power source, and transmit a first signal to the lift controller, wherein the first signal is representative of the load; wherein the lift controller is configured to provide a control signal to the variable frequency drive as a function of the first signal; and wherein the variable frequency drive and the lift controller are configured to operate in a feedback loop during operation of the motor.

[0085] Example 3

[0086] The system of lift control components of any one or more of Examples 1-2, the controller comprising: a variable frequency drive configured to operate the motor using electrical power drawn from a power source; a current sensor configured to determine the load on the motor as a function of the amount of electrical power drawn from the power source; a lift controller configured to provide a control signal to the variable frequency drive as a function of the load from the current sensor; and wherein the variable frequency drive and the lift controller are configured to operate in a feedback loop during operation of the motor.

[0087] Example 4

[0088] The system of lift control components of Example 3, wherein the current sensor: is coupled to an electrical connection between the power source and the variable frequency drive, and is configured to determine the load as a function of the magnitude of electrical power transmitted via the direct connection.

[0089] Example 5

[0090] The system of lift control components of any one or more of Examples 1-4, the controller comprising: a lift controller; and a variable frequency drive, the variable frequency controller configured to: operate the motor, and transmit the load on the motor to the lift controller, wherein the load is a function of the amount of electrical power drawn from the power source; wherein the lift controller is configured to provide a control signal to the variable frequency drive as a function of the load from the variable frequency drive; wherein the variable frequency drive and the lift controller are configured to operate in a feedback loop during operation of the motor; and wherein the system of lift control components is configured as an integrated power unit (IPU) comprising a set of IPU components having the lift controller, the variable frequency drive, and the motor, wherein the set of IPU components are disposed within the IPU to minimize the distance that signals travel in the feedback loop.

[0091] Example 6

[0092] The system of lift control components according to example 5, wherein the lift structure comprises a motor mount, and wherein the housing encapsulating the set of integrated power unit components is adapted to be coupled to the motor mount and replace a second motor that is not capable of determining and lifting the lift structure at the second lifting speed.

[0093] Example 7

[0094] The system of lift control components according to any one or more of examples 1-6, the controller comprising: a variable frequency drive configured to operate the motor; a weight sensor coupled to the lift structure and configured to determine the load on the motor as a function of the weight supported by the lift structure; and a lift controller configured to provide control signals to the variable frequency drive as a function of the load determined by the weight sensor; wherein the variable frequency drive and the lift controller are configured to operate in a feedback loop during operation of the motor.

[0095] Example 8

[0096] The system of lift control components according to example 7, wherein the lift controller is further configured to: store a correlation table that correlates vehicle weight to load at a respective standard lifting speed and load at a respective maximum potential lifting speed; and use the correlation table to determine a maximum potential lifting speed as a function of the weight supported by the lift structure and the load at a standard lifting speed.

[0097] Example 9

[0098] The system of lift control components according to any one or more of examples 1-8, the controller comprising: a hydraulic pump operable by the motor to lift and lower the lift structure, wherein the hydraulic pump is configured to generate data indicative of a current pressure during operation; and a lift controller configured to determine the load on the motor as a function of the current pressure generated by the hydraulic pump when the lift structure is being lifted and provide control signals to the motor as a function of the load from the hydraulic pump; wherein the lift controller and the hydraulic pump are configured to operate in a feedback loop during operation of the system of lift control components.

[0099] Example 10

[0100] The system of lift control components of Example 9, wherein the lift controller is further configured to: store a correlation table that correlates vehicle weight to pressure at a standard lift speed and pressure at a maximum potential lift speed; and use the correlation table to determine the maximum potential lift speed from the vehicle weight associated with the current pressure.

[0101] Example 11

[0102] The system of lift control components of any one or more of Examples 1-10, wherein: the load on the motor comprises an indication of load from at least two of: a variable frequency drive configured to obtain electrical power from a power source to operate the motor and determine the load on the motor from an amount of electrical power obtained from the power source, a current sensor coupled to a connection that directly connects the power source and the variable frequency drive and configured to determine the load on the motor from an amount of electrical power obtained from the power source, a weight sensor coupled to the lift structure and configured to determine the load on the motor from a weight supported by the lift structure, and a hydraulic pump operable to lift and lower the lift structure and configured to generate data indicative of a current pressure during operation; and the controller is configured to correlate the load from a first source with the load from a second source.

[0103] Example 12

[0104] The system of lift control components of Example 11, wherein: the load on the motor is a function of load indications from at least two different measurement sources, and the controller is configured to: compare a most recent load from the at least two different measurement sources with historical loads from the at least two different measurement sources, and in the event that the most recent load does not substantially match the historical loads, provide an indication that a component of the system of lift control components requires maintenance.

[0105] Example 13

[0106] The system of lift control components of any one or more of examples 11-12, wherein the controller is configured to: store first performance data describing a first load on the motor when lifting a first vehicle with the lift structure; store second performance data describing a second load on the motor when lifting one of the first vehicle and a second vehicle with the lift structure; determine whether the system of lift control components requires maintenance based on the first performance data and the second performance data; and provide a human perceptible indication of whether the system of lift control components requires maintenance.

[0107] Example 14

[0108] A method comprising: engaging a lift structure with a vehicle; operating a motor to lift the lift structure at a first speed with a controller in a set of lift control components; determining a load on the motor while operating the motor at the first speed; determining a potential lift speed based on the load on the motor; and operating the motor to lift the lift structure at the potential lift speed.

[0109] Example 15

[0110] The method of example 14, wherein the controller comprises: a lift controller; and a variable frequency drive, the variable frequency controller configured to: operate the motor using electrical power acquired from a power source, determine the load on the motor based on a magnitude of electrical power acquired from the power source, and communicate the determined load to the lift controller; wherein the lift controller is configured to provide control signals to the variable frequency drive based on the load communicated by the variable frequency drive; and wherein the variable frequency drive and the lift controller are configured to operate in a feedback loop during operation of the motor.

[0111] Example 16

[0112] The method of any one or more of examples 14-15, wherein the controller comprises: a variable frequency drive, the variable frequency controller configured to operate the motor using electrical power acquired from a power source; a current sensor, the current sensor configured to determine the load on the motor based on a magnitude of electrical power acquired from the power source; and a lift controller, the lift controller configured to provide control signals to the variable frequency drive based on the load determined by the current sensor; wherein the variable frequency drive and the lift controller are configured to operate in a feedback loop during operation of the motor.

[0113] Example 17

[0114] The method of any one or more of examples 14-16, wherein the controller comprises: a hoist controller; a variable frequency drive configured to operate the motor using electrical power acquired from a power source, determine the load on the motor as a function of the amount of electrical power acquired from the power source, and transmit the load to the hoist controller; and an integrated power unit (IPU) containing a set of IPU components including the hoist controller, the variable frequency drive, and the motor; wherein the hoist controller is configured to provide control signals to the variable frequency drive as a function of the load from the variable frequency drive; wherein the variable frequency drive and the hoist controller are configured to operate in a feedback loop during operation of the motor; and wherein the set of IPU components are disposed within the IPU to minimize the distance that signals travel in the feedback loop.

[0115] Example 18

[0116] The method of any one or more of examples 14-17, wherein the controller comprises: a variable frequency drive configured to operate the motor; a weight sensor coupled to the hoist structure and configured to determine the load on the motor as a function of the weight supported by the hoist structure; and a hoist controller configured to provide control signals to the variable frequency drive as a function of the load determined by the weight sensor; wherein the variable frequency drive and the hoist controller are configured to operate in a feedback loop during operation of the motor.

[0117] Example 19

[0118] The system of hoist control components of any one or more of examples 1-13, the controller comprising: a hydraulic pump operable by the motor to raise and lower the hoist structure, wherein the hydraulic pump is configured to generate data indicative of the pressure generated by the hydraulic pump during operation; and a hoist controller configured to: determine the load on the motor as a function of the data, and provide control signals to the motor as a function of the load of the hydraulic pump; wherein the hoist controller and the hydraulic pump are configured to operate in a feedback loop during operation of the motor.

[0119] Example 20

[0120] A vehicle lift comprising: a lifting structure configured to engage a vehicle; a motor operable to lift the lifting structure; a variable frequency drive configured to operate the motor using electrical power obtained from a power source, determine a first load on the motor as a function of a magnitude of the electrical power obtained from the power source, and transmit the first load to a lift controller; a current sensor configured to determine a second load indicator that describes the load on the motor as a function of the magnitude of the electrical power obtained from the power source; and a lift controller configured to: provide a control signal to the variable frequency drive as a function of the first load indicator and the second load indicator; compare the first load indicator and the second load indicator to one or more historical load indicators from at least one of a current sensor and the variable frequency drive; and provide an indication that the vehicle lift requires maintenance if the first load indicator and the second load indicator do not substantially match the one or more historical load indicators; wherein the variable frequency drive and the lift controller are configured to operate in a feedback loop during operation of the motor.

[0121] Example 21

[0122] A vehicle lift comprising: a lifting structure configured to engage a vehicle; a motor operable to lift the lifting structure; a sensor configured to produce a signal as a function of power consumption of the motor; a speed controller configured to: store an optimal power consumption target; operate the motor to lift the lifting structure; receive the signal from the sensor during operation of the motor; determine a power consumption as a function of the signal; and increase a run rate of the motor until the power consumption matches the optimal power consumption target.

[0123] Example 22

[0124] A vehicle lift comprising: a lifting structure configured to engage a vehicle; a motor operable to lift the lifting structure; a sensor configured to produce a signal as a function of power consumption of the motor; a controller configured to: store a lift usage data set; receive the signal from the sensor during operation of the motor; determine a vehicle weight as a function of the signal; update the lift usage data set as a function of the vehicle weight; and generate a warning as a function of the lift usage data set, wherein the warning indicates that a maintenance task needs to be performed.

[0125] It should be appreciated that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein can be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. The above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. can be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

[0126] Having shown and described various embodiments of the present application, further alterations, modifications, variations, and uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. Numerous specific details have been set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the application. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the various embodiments of the application can be practiced without necessarily being limited to the organization and specific steps described. It is intended to include modifications and variations within the scope of the concepts disclosed. It is intended that the application encompass all such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same or similar results could be substituted for the specific embodiments shown.

Claims

1. A lift control component system, comprising: a motor (112, 306, 316, 326, 336, 346, 806) operable to lift a lift structure (102, 106, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 816), a controller configured to regulate electrical power from a power source (312, 322, 332, 342, 808) and provide the regulated electrical power to the motor, wherein, the controller including a variable frequency drive (110, 304, 314, 324, 334) configured to operate the motor, wherein the controller further includes a hydraulic pump (343) operable by the motor to raise and lower the lift structure, wherein the hydraulic pump is configured to generate data indicative of a current pressure during operation; a human-machine interface (900) in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to: operate the motor to lift the lift structure at a default lift speed; determine a load on the motor as a function of the current pressure generated by the hydraulic pump; determine a second lift speed based on the load on the motor when the motor is lifting the lift structure supporting a vehicle at the default lift speed, wherein the second lift speed is faster than the default lift speed; and operate the motor to lift the lift structure at the second lift speed, wherein the human-machine interface is configured to communicate with the controller to operate the motor to lift the lift structure at the default lift speed, and wherein the human-machine interface is configured to communicate with the controller to operate the motor to lift the lift structure at the second lift speed, such that the human-machine interface controls the lift structure to lift at the default lift speed or the second lift speed, wherein the load on the motor is a function of an indication of load from at least two different measurement sources, and the controller is further configured to: compare a current load from the at least two different measurement sources to a historical load from the at least two different measurement sources, and in the event that the current load does not substantially match the historical load, provide an indication that a component of the lift control component system requires maintenance.

2. The lift control component system of claim 1, the controller comprising: a lift controller (108, 308, 318, 328, 338, 348, 804) configured to: determine the load on the motor from the current pressure generated by the hydraulic pump when the lift structure is being lifted, and provide a control signal to the motor according to the load from the hydraulic pump; wherein the lift controller and the hydraulic pump are configured to operate in a feedback loop during the lift control component system.

3. The system of lift control components of claim 2, wherein, the lift controller is further configured to: store a correlation table relating vehicle weight to pressure at a standard lift speed and pressure at a maximum potential lift speed; and determine a maximum potential lift speed according to a vehicle weight related to the current pressure using the correlation table.

4. The system of lift control components of claim 1, wherein: the load on the motor comprises an indication of a load from at least a first source and a second source selected from: a variable frequency drive (110, 304, 314, 324, 334) configured to draw electrical power from the power source to operate the motor and determine the load on the motor as a function of the amount of electrical power drawn from the power source, a current sensor (313) coupled to a connection that directly connects the power source and the variable frequency drive and configured to determine the load on the motor as a function of the amount of electrical power drawn from the power source, a weight sensor (323) coupled to the lift structure and configured to determine the load on the motor as a function of the weight supported by the lift structure; and the controller is configured to correlate the load from the first source with the load from the second source.

5. The system of lift control components of claim 4, wherein, the controller is configured to: store first performance data describing a first load on the motor when lifting a first vehicle with the lift structure; store second performance data describing a second load on the motor when lifting one of the first vehicle and a second vehicle with the lift structure; determine whether the system of lift control components requires maintenance as a function of the first performance data and the second performance data; and provide a human perceptible indication of whether the system of lift control components requires maintenance.

6. The system of lift control components of claim 1, the controller comprising: a lift controller (108, 308, 318, 328, 338, 348, 804) configured to: determine the load on the motor as a function of the data, and provide a control signal to the motor as a function of the load on the hydraulic pump; wherein the lift controller and the hydraulic pump are configured to operate in a feedback loop during operation of the motor.

7. The system of lift control components of claim 1, wherein, the human interface (900) further comprises a first button (902) and a second button (904), wherein the first button (902) is configured to communicate with the controller to operate the motor to lift the lift structure at the default lift speed, and wherein the second button (904) is configured to communicate with the controller to operate the motor to lift the lift structure at the second lift speed.

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