BLE-enabled electric car jack system for safe, remote-controlled lifting of vehicles

Abstract

A BLE-enabled electric jack system consisting of an STM32 processor board for controlling the motion and safety logic, a Bluetooth Low Energy module for receiving authenticated remote commands, a motor driver for controlling a high-torque jack motor, a rechargeable battery, a buzzer, and optical indicators, wherein the system raises and lowers a vehicle jack remotely with safety interlocks.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to vehicle lifting devices with integrated Bluetooth Low Energy remote control, embedded motor control, safety locks and battery power supply to enable convenient and safer operation of the electric jack. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional car jacks require manual force and pose hazards during lifting and lowering. While motorized car jacks improve ergonomics, traditional wired remote controls limit usability and may lack robust safety interlocks and diagnostic capabilities for consumer use. BLE enables low-power, short-range wireless control, widely supported by smartphones and embedded systems. This allows for authenticated, responsive operation with minimal power consumption from battery-powered devices. Modern MCU ecosystems and motor drivers support precise, fault-tolerant motion control of DC and high-voltage motors with braking and current limiting.Safety measures for lifting systems emphasize self-locking gearboxes, secondary safety elements, overload protection, and emergency stop interfaces to minimize risks such as reverse operation, overlifting, and load drop. This underscores the need for integrated sensors, warning signals, and interlocks in jacks. A device-centric architecture that combines BLE control, motor control electronics, safety features, and a rechargeable power supply system enables effortless, reliable lifting with enhanced user protection in road traffic and workshops. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a BLE-enabled electric lifting system, BLEJ_ROEMote, consisting of an STM32 processor board as the central control unit, a Bluetooth module for BLE communication, a NuttyFi WLAN module for configuration and updates, a high-performance motor (HT motor) coupled to the lifting mechanism, a motor driver stage, a buzzer and an optical indicator, and a rechargeable battery. The STM32 coordinates communication protocols, motion control, and safety logic to enable remote lifting and lowering via a mobile app. Interlocks, warning messages, and current and position monitoring enhance operational safety and ease of use. The system supports authenticated pairing, emergency stop, overload detection, limit monitoring, and status display.The WLAN module enables diagnostics and firmware updates, and the battery system provides the mobile system with energy-efficient BLE control for mobile use at the roadside. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0004] The device incorporates an STM32 processor board with motor control, BLE command processing, and safety state machines. The STM32 ecosystem provides motor control libraries and profiling tools for optimizing torque, speed, and braking behavior for spindle or scissor lift trucks with current and temperature protection. A BLE module receives UART / SPI-authenticated commands from a smartphone app and supports pairing and reconnection policies with timeouts and command debouncing to prevent unintended movements. BLE's low power consumption conserves battery power during standby scans and periodic status updates. A NuttyFi Wi-Fi module enables local web configuration, diagnostics, and wireless firmware updates. It separates BLE control from the configuration channels and allows for log uploading as well as calibration of limit switches and current thresholds.The motor subsystem consists of a high-torque DC or geared motor that drives the pallet truck's spindle mechanism via clutches designed to withstand stall torque. A motor driver handles H-bridge control, current measurement, and integrated protection. The driver selection utilizes integrated functions for precise and safe fault management. Safety features include dual end-position detection (up / down), overcurrent shutdown in case of overload or stall, thermal power reduction, and an emergency stop input accessible both on the device and via the app. Audible and visual indicators signal states such as powered on, lifting, lowering, fault, and low battery.Mechanical safety is enhanced by the self-locking power transmission of the spindle mechanism or an electromechanical brake, which prevents reverse rotation in the event of a power failure and maintains the load position during communication outages or low battery levels. The rechargeable battery module powers the system and supports safe charging management with undervoltage and short-circuit protection. Energy management considers the BLE duty cycle and the motor's peak current to ensure a sufficient number of stroke cycles per charge, similar to battery-powered electromechanical devices with BLE control in low-load operation and during motor current peaks. The user interface includes a mobile app with authentication, tap and preset motion sequences, live status display, and an emergency stop function.In the event of an app malfunction, a physical emergency stop button on the control unit ensures immediate motor shutdown and a safe system state, as recommended for wireless hoists. The diagnostic function monitors motor current profiles, movement duration, and the status of the limit sensors to detect wear or blockages and trigger maintenance alerts. Wi-Fi diagnostic pages and logs support service and fleet management in workshops. The architecture supports additional sensors (tilt, load cell) and integration into vehicle service workflows. Modular circuit boards for control, radio, and power supply facilitate repairs and upgrades while maintaining safety certifications.

Claims

[1] A BLE-enabled electric car jack system comprising an STM32 processor board for controlling the motion and safety logic, a Bluetooth Low Energy module for receiving authenticated remote commands, a motor driver for driving a high-torque jack motor, a rechargeable battery, a buzzer, and optical indicators, wherein the system raises and lowers a car jack remotely with safety interlocks. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein its safety features include dual limit detection, overcurrent protection, thermal power reduction and an emergency stop switch accessible via an input on the device and a mobile application to prevent overrun and load drop in the event of malfunctions. [3] System according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a Wi-Fi module configured for diagnostic and firmware updates, with separation between BLE control and configuration channels and logging of motion events and errors for maintenance purposes. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor control implements a self-locking power transmission or braking such that the jack resists reverse gearing when de-energized, and the indicators provide acoustic and visual signals for the states ‘activated’, ‘movement’, ‘fault’ and ‘low battery’.