Lifting Column Position Determination for Vehicle Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lifting systems lack flexibility, requiring users to manually select and identify lifting columns based on vehicle type, which increases operational complexity and reduces safety, especially when handling vehicles with different wheel bases and axles.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising at least two lifting columns with communication and position-determining means, allowing for automatic selection and control of lifting columns based on position determination, using wireless communication technologies like Ultra Wideband (UWB) and transmitters/receivers for precise positioning, and safety features such as warning and blocking signals to prevent unsafe displacements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mobile lifting columns are used to increase flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional identification operations required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical identification system (physical identification cards placed in lifting columns) with an automated electronic identification system using position-determining means (GPS, transmitters/receivers). This substitution eliminates the need for manual identification operations while maintaining the flexibility of mobile lifting columns, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service identification where lifting columns automatically identify themselves through position-determining means without requiring user intervention. The control unit automatically receives position information and identifies which lifting columns are needed based on vehicle parameters, eliminating manual identification steps and reducing operational complexity while preserving system flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual identification of lifting columns is required, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional user actions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual identification operations with automated electronic position determination and identification. The control unit automatically identifies lifting columns based on position data from GPS or transmitters/receivers, maintaining accurate identification while eliminating the need for users to physically locate and identify columns, thus improving ease of operation without sacrificing identification accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through position-determining means that continuously provide location information to the control unit. This feedback loop enables automatic identification and selection of appropriate lifting columns based on real-time position data, eliminating manual identification steps while ensuring accurate column selection, thereby improving both ease of operation and maintaining identification precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances flexibility and safety by allowing automatic selection and control of lifting columns, reducing user intervention, preventing incorrect column usage, and maintaining selection across vehicles, while improving accuracy and safety through precise positioning and communication.

Implementation Method 1

using wireless communication technologies like Ultra Wideband (UWB) and transmitters/receivers for precise positioning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltra Wideband (UWB) wireless communication: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentUS8567761B2System with position-determination for lifting columns, and method therefor

Publication Date: 2013.10.29 STERTIL

AI summary

A system and method for lifting and lowering an object such as a vehicle, comprising: at least two lifting columns; communication means for communication with the at least two lifting columns; position-determining means for carrying out a position determination for each of the at least two lifting columns; selection means for selecting at least one of the lifting columns on the basis of the position determinations; and at least one control unit co-acting with the communication means during use for the purpose of controlling the lifting columns selected with the selection means.