Autonomous Lift System with Optical Positioning and Segmented Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lift systems for raising heavy objects, such as motor vehicles, are slow to set up, unstable, and inflexible, posing safety risks and interfering with access to the vehicle's underside, while being costly and cumbersome to install and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A compact, autonomous multi-point lift system equipped with optical sensors, a locomotion system, and a processor that autonomously detects and positions itself relative to the load, applying force to displace it using load-bearing arms, allowing for efficient and safe lifting of heavy objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional jacking systems are used to lift vehicles, then lifting capability is achieved, but setup time is excessive and operation speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting speedVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lift system autonomously positions itself under the vehicle using onboard sensors to detect the vehicle's position and automatically navigates to the correct lifting location, eliminating the need for manual setup and positioning by operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, manually-positioned jack to a dynamic, self-mobilizing platform that can move and reposition itself automatically to adapt to different vehicle positions and types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If single-point jacking systems are used, then localized lifting is achieved, but vehicle stability is compromised and safety is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting stabilityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the lifting function into multiple independent lifting points that can operate simultaneously, distributing the vehicle weight across several contact points to enhance stability and prevent unsafe vehicle shifting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple lifting points are integrated into a single coordinated system that operates under centralized control, combining individual lifting actions into a unified stable lifting operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If whole-car lifting systems are deployed, then full vehicle lifting is achieved, but access to vehicle underside is blocked and space utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to vehicle undersideVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting system is divided into multiple independent modular units that can be positioned at different locations under the vehicle, allowing service personnel to access various areas of the vehicle underside simultaneously while lifting is in progress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of spanning a large horizontal area beneath the vehicle, the system uses vertical positioning of multiple compact lifting points to achieve full vehicle elevation while minimizing horizontal space occupation and maintaining access pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If commercial shop lifts are installed, then lifting capability is provided, but installation cost is high and maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into independent modular lifting units that can be manufactured separately and assembled in place, reducing installation complexity and cost compared to large integrated commercial lifts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The autonomous positioning and operation capabilities reduce the need for complex installation infrastructure and engineered foundations, allowing flexible deployment in various service environments without expensive permanent installations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The system enables rapid, safe, and flexible lifting of heavy objects by autonomously positioning itself and applying force, reducing the risk of injury and damage, and improving access to the vehicle's underside, while being more cost-effective and easier to maintain.

Implementation Method 1

one or more optical sensors (130) that optically sense an environment of said lift system including said target load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical sensing: Light

Data Source

PatentUS11332352B2Autonomous lift system

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 AMPLE INC

AI summary

A lift for raising or moving loads is disclosed. The lift is autonomous and comprises several parts for sensing and communicating as well as actuating a displacement. In some instances, the lift is moveable and includes optical and other sensors and can furthermore determine one or more vehicle wheel locations to position itself and raise a vehicle up off of the ground.