Lift Pad Alignment Beam for Vehicle Lift Point Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lift pad systems require subjective judgment and multiple adjustments to ensure precise alignment and orientation with lift points, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks, especially in commercial and DIY settings where time and accuracy are critical.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a lift pad with a projection unit that projects an alignment beam for light indication, combined with a target and image capture device for objective alignment, allowing for precise positioning and orientation of lift pads relative to vehicle lift points and features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional lift pads without alignment functionality are used, then the device complexity is low, but the alignment precision and positioning accuracy require multiple subjective adjustments by the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alignment beam as an intermediary visual indicator that projects from the lift pad to the vehicle underside. This beam serves as a mediator between the lift pad positioning system and the operator, providing an objective reference line that eliminates the need for subjective visual estimation. The alignment beam directly indicates whether the lift pad is correctly positioned relative to the vehicle lift point, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical adjustment process (manual positioning and visual estimation) with an optical system (projection of alignment beam). Instead of relying on the operator's mechanical sense and visual judgment to determine pad position, the system uses light projection to provide an objective alignment reference, substituting mechanical positioning methods with optical measurement methods.
2Measurement precision
If multiple adjustments are made to achieve precise alignment, then the alignment accuracy improves, but the time required for the lifting operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment beam is projected onto the vehicle underside before the lift pad makes contact with the lift point. This preliminary visual indication allows the operator to pre-position the lift arm and pad in the correct location before final engagement. By performing the alignment action in advance using the visual guide, the actual lifting operation can proceed quickly without requiring multiple trial adjustments during the critical lifting phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment beam provides real-time visual feedback to the operator about the relative position of the lift pad and vehicle lift point. As the operator moves the lift arm, the beam's position on the vehicle underside changes, immediately indicating whether adjustment is needed and in which direction. This continuous feedback loop enables rapid convergence to the correct position, reducing the number of adjustment iterations required compared to methods without visual feedback.
3Ease of operation
If subjective judgment is used for alignment, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability and safety of the lifting operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment beam acts as an objective intermediary reference that removes the element of subjective judgment from the alignment process. Instead of relying on the operator's subjective visual estimation of pad position relative to the lift point, the beam provides an objective, standardized reference line that clearly indicates correct positioning. This objective reference maintains ease of operation while significantly improving reliability by eliminating human judgment variability.
4Measurement precision
If the lift pad contact surface is small for precise positioning, then the alignment precision improves, but the stability and weight distribution during lifting deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the alignment function from the weight-bearing function. The alignment beam (optical component) provides precise positioning indication, while the lift pad contact surface (mechanical component) maintains sufficient area for stable weight distribution. By segmenting these two functions, the system achieves precise positioning through the optical alignment aid without compromising the mechanical stability provided by the pad's contact surface area.
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
This solution enables quick, objective, and accurate alignment of lift pads with lift points, reducing the need for repetitive adjustments and enhancing safety by providing a visual and audible indication of correct alignment, thus improving efficiency and reducing the risk of damage or instability during vehicle lifting.
Implementation Method 1
a projection unit configured to project an alignment beam for providing a light indication on an opposing surface
Data Source
AI summary
Lift pads with alignment functionality that enable a lift operator to objectively, easily and accurately position one or more, e.g., four, lift pads to ensure precise contact with the desired lift points and features of an object. Alignment functionality includes light emitting devices for illuminating an opposing surface, light beam detectors for detecting alignment, and image capture devices with machine vision capability for identifying features on opposing surface, among others.