Liftgate Sensor Mounting for Accurate Angle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tail lifts face challenges in safe and reliable operation due to incorrect angle measurements of the loading platform, which can lead to damage to goods or injury to operators, caused by improper attachment of inclination sensors.
Innovation Solution
A plug-and-socket connection system with integrated electronic components, including an inclinometer, allows for easy attachment and control of the tail lift drives, ensuring accurate angle determination and safe operation by integrating all necessary electronics within the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inclination sensor is attached to the loading platform at different positions, then the attachment is more flexible, but incorrect measurements of the angle of inclination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference system consisting of a reference plane and reference direction that serves as an intermediary between the sensor attachment and the measurement target. By defining the reference plane as passing through the loading platform's front edge and perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, and the reference direction as parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, the system ensures that angle measurements are consistently referenced regardless of sensor position, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while allowing flexible attachment.
2Reliability
If the electronic components are separately attached to the tail lift, then the attachment is more secure, but the operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electronic components (inclination sensor, control unit, and power supply) into a single integrated electronic assembly that is mounted as one unit on the loading platform. This integration maintains reliability by keeping all necessary components together and connected, while simultaneously reducing operational complexity by eliminating the need to separately attach and coordinate multiple independent components. The integrated assembly is attached to the loading platform using a single mounting structure, simplifying both installation and maintenance operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Liftgates (10) are used to facilitate the loading and unloading of goods on vehicles of all kinds. To operate the liftgates (10), their angle of inclination must be known. Sensors on the liftgates (10) are used to determine this angle. If the sensor is mounted in an incorrect position, inaccurate measurements of the angle of inclination can occur. The invention provides a liftgate (10) with which the operation of the liftgates (10) can be carried out in a simple and safe manner. For this purpose, an electronic component (20) is provided with a plug connector (11) and a plug (12) of a socket (13) that can be attached to the liftgate (10).