Floating Lift Buoyancy Locking Link Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lift systems face issues with balancing and stabilization, leading to creep and instability during lowering and raising operations, and are limited by their range of travel and reliance on drive systems for retention, which can result in unintended lowering and damage from environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A floating lift system with a fixed frame, vertical supports, and multiple floats providing buoyancy, along with a movable frame and platform, utilizing hydraulic cylinders and a bell crank mechanism for increased range of travel and stability, and a locking link to secure the lift in the raised position even if the drive system fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the lift relies solely on the drive system to retain the vehicle in the lifted position, then the lift can be simpler in design, but the reliability decreases because the lift will unintentionally return to the lowered position if the drive system fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a locking mechanism that engages automatically when the platform reaches the raised position. This locking mechanism acts as a preventive measure against drive system failure, ensuring the vehicle remains secured without requiring continuous active control from the drive system. The locking mechanism compensates for potential failures by providing a passive safety net.
2Length of moving object
If the lift has limited range of travel, then the lift structure can be more compact, but the ability to prevent damage from extreme weather and environmental conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a movable frame that can rotate between a lowered position for loading and a raised position for storage. The frame's rotational capability around a vertical axis enables the platform to achieve extended vertical travel, allowing the vehicle to be positioned high enough above water level to be protected from environmental factors such as waves and rain during storage.
3Ease of manufacture
If the lift uses floats that are prone to rolling or are otherwise unstable in water, then the lift can be simpler to construct, but the stability during operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the floats with a specific geometric configuration where the float sections are arranged to create a stable, non-rolling configuration. The asymmetric arrangement of float sections and their connection to the fixed frame creates a lower center of gravity and resistant posture against rolling motions, thereby enhancing stability while remaining relatively simple to construct.
4Device complexity
If the lift has creep and instability during lowering and raising operations, then the drive system can be less complex, but the balancing and stabilization issues result in one side of the lift being higher or lower than others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by incorporating a leveling mechanism that monitors and adjusts the platform's vertical position to maintain balance during lifting and lowering operations. The mechanism detects imbalances between the two sides of the lift and automatically compensates by adjusting the movable frame's position or modifying the load distribution, thereby preventing creep and ensuring stable operation without requiring an overly complex drive system.
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 floating lift system achieves improved stability and safety by maintaining the raised position in case of drive system failure, reducing wear and tear, and providing a greater range of travel to prevent damage from environmental factors, while allowing for secure and stable operation in various water depths.
Implementation Method 1
One or more floats are attached to the vertical supports to provide buoyancy to the lift
Data Source
AI summary
A floating lift includes a fixed frame, a movable frame, and a platform coupled to the movable frame. A float that may include multiple float sections is coupled to the fixed frame to provide buoyancy to the lift. A lifting assembly is structured to move the movable frame to change a position of the platform relative to the fixed frame over a range of travel between a raised position and a lowered position. A vehicle can be loaded on the lift in the lowered position and elevated to the raised position to avoid damage to the vehicle. The range of travel of the platform is greater than a length of a lifting arm of the movable frame and the lifting assembly includes a locking link to lock the lift in the raised position. The lift may also include a leveling assembly that assists with uniform movement of the movable frame.