Vehicle Lifting Column With Adjustable Mast Spacing for Wheel Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lifting columns restrict wheel access, necessitating multiple steps and equipment for wheel replacement, maintenance, and maintenance operations, posing safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A lifting column design with adjustable mast distance, integrated hydraulic cylinder, and additional mechanisms like side-shift, tilting, and locking, enabling easier access and safer operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional lifting columns are used with fixed mast distance, then lifting capability is provided, but wheel access is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel accessVSAvoidmast distance adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mast distance is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the lifting column to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements. The masts can be positioned at different distances apart to either provide wheel access or maintain lifting capability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If multiple equipment pieces are used for wheel maintenance, then wheel access is enabled, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel maintenance accessVSAvoidoperational safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting column is designed to combine multiple functions into a single integrated device. By making the mast distance adjustable, the same lifting column can both lift the vehicle and provide wheel access, eliminating the need for separate equipment like wheel dollies and reducing the number of operations that could compromise safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If wheel maintenance steps are performed with conventional lifting columns, then wheel access is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel accessVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable mast distance allows the lifting column to be quickly reconfigured from a closed lifting position to an open wheel-access position without requiring complete disassembly or additional equipment. This dynamic adjustment significantly reduces the time needed to transition between lifting and maintenance modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Reduces the number of steps required for wheel maintenance and enhances safety by allowing direct access and efficient handling of vehicle parts, minimizing equipment movement and risk.

Implementation Method 1

hydraulic oil is pumped to a cylinder for lifting the carrier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

In the ascent mode, hydraulic oil is pumped to a cylinder for lifting the carrier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPascal's law: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentEP3904271B1Lifting column enabling wheel access for lifting a vehicle, lifting system comprising such lifting column and a corresponding method for lifting a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 STERTIL
  • EP3904271B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3904271B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3904271B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D

AI summary

The present invention relates to a lifting column (2) and a first (14) and second (16) mast for lifting a vehicle (wheel W of vehicle V), lifting system comprising one or more of these lifting columns and a method for lifting a vehicle. The lifting column also comprises - a frame (6) provided with the first mast and second mast; - at least one carrier (18) configured for engaging the vehicle, wherein the at least one carrier is moveable relative to the first and second mast; - a lifting mechanism with a drive (28) for moving the at least one carrier and lifting the vehicle, wherein the first and second mast are positioned on the frame at a mast distance (D), and wherein the mast distance enables access to the wheel.