Remotely Adjustable Automotive Lift Arm with Camera Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive lifts require users to bend or kneel to adjust lift arms and positioning, leading to physical strain and potential damage due to incorrect positioning.
Innovation Solution
A remotely adjustable automotive lift arm system using a telescopic arm, screw jack assembly, camera assembly, and gear assembly allows users to position lift arms and lifting pads without bending, featuring a camera for remote viewing and an extension handle for standing operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user manually adjusts the lift arm position by bending or kneeling, then the lift arm can be positioned under the vehicle, but the user experiences physical strain on the back, neck, and knees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera system as an intermediary that allows the user to view the area under the vehicle remotely. The camera is mounted on the lift arm and transmits visual information to a display unit, enabling the user to position the lift arm correctly without bending or kneeling close to the vehicle, thereby eliminating physical strain while maintaining positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process with a remotely controlled system. Instead of physically manipulating the lift arm while in an awkward position, the user controls the lift arm positioning through remote controls or wireless communication, substituting direct mechanical interaction with electronic control mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If the user manually positions the lifting pad, then the pad can be placed at the correct location, but the process is time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-aligning mechanism where the lifting pad automatically positions itself relative to the vehicle frame. The pad incorporates alignment features such as guide rails, magnetic alignment, or visual alignment markers that enable automatic or semi-automatic positioning, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and significantly reducing the time required while maintaining precise positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera system mounted on the lifting pad that provides real-time visual feedback to the user through a display unit. This feedback mechanism allows the user to monitor the pad's position relative to the vehicle and make precise adjustments without manual intervention, reducing both time and effort while ensuring accurate positioning
3Reliability
If the lifting pad is incorrectly positioned, then the vehicle or lift may be damaged, but preventing this requires complex positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera system as an intermediary that provides clear visual feedback between the lifting pad and the vehicle contact points. This simple visual mediation system enables users to accurately position the pad without complex mechanical guides or sensors, maintaining safety while avoiding increased system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with electronic control and visual feedback mechanisms. Instead of using intricate mechanical guides, interlocks, or sensors to prevent incorrect positioning, the system uses a camera and display to guide the user, achieving the same safety outcome with simpler hardware
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe, efficient, and ergonomic adjustment of lift arms and pads, reducing physical strain and risk of damage, while providing a cost-effective solution for technicians and shop owners.
Implementation Method 1
a screw jack assembly 2
Implementation Method 2
a gear assembly 5
Implementation Method 3
a camera assembly 4
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely adjustable automotive lift arm allows a user to position lift arms under the vehicle, extend them to the correct length, and position lifting pads to the correct location and height, all without requiring the user to bend over or kneel. The remotely adjustable automotive lift arm includes a telescopic arm, a screw jack assembly, a camera assembly, a gear assembly, and an input shaft. The telescopic arm includes two tubes with one being telescopically engaged to the other. The screw jack assembly is used to adjust the lifting pad height to achieve a level lift of a vehicle prior to the vehicle being lifted off the ground. The camera assembly provides a live image of the vehicle's undercarriage in order to precisely position the screw jack assembly. The input shaft can receive an input torque than can be transferred to the screw jack assembly by the gear assembly.