Vehicle Lifting Control with Presence Signals for Safe Remote Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting systems lack adequate safety measures to ensure operators remain at a safe distance from lifting apparatuses during vehicle lifting and lowering operations, posing a risk of injury from moving parts and loads.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a control unit on each lifting apparatus, featuring a transmitter/receiver and a data interface with a signal cone oriented differently from the load-bearing means, requiring both a presence signal and control signal to be received within a predetermined time window for actuation, ensuring the operator is outside the danger zone, and using IR components for separate presence and control signal evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator operates the lifting system directly at the lifting apparatus, then the control operation is simple and direct, but the operator is at risk of injury from moving parts and loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the operator and the lifting apparatus. This control device transmits control signals to the lifting apparatus via a transmitter/receiver system, allowing the operator to control the lifting system from a safe distance while maintaining direct control functionality. The intermediary device resolves the contradiction by enabling remote operation without sacrificing control effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control function from the lifting apparatus by placing a control unit on the lifting apparatus and a separate control device in the operator's hand. This segmentation allows the control signals to be transmitted wirelessly, enabling the operator to remain outside the danger zone while maintaining full control capability. The segmentation separates the hazardous location from the control location.
2Reliability
If a presence signal system is implemented to ensure operator safety, then operational safety is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the presence signal transmission function with the existing control signal transmission system. The same transmitter/receiver and data interface hardware is used for both control signals and presence signals, eliminating the need for separate hardware systems. This merging reduces system complexity while maintaining safety monitoring functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device and control unit are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as control signal transmitters/receivers and as presence signal transmitters/receivers. The data interface handles both control data and presence detection, reducing the overall system complexity while providing comprehensive safety monitoring and control capabilities in a single integrated system.
3Reliability
If the signal cone is oriented differently from the load-bearing means, then the operator can maintain a safe distance, but the signal transmission may be affected by interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by orienting the signal cone at an angle different from the vertical orientation of the load-bearing means. This asymmetric orientation allows the operator to position themselves outside the danger zone while maintaining signal transmission. The angular offset creates spatial separation between the hazard zone and the optimal signal reception zone.
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 operational safety by preventing actuation if the operator is within the danger zone, allowing remote operation and precise positioning, reducing signal interference, and enabling secure activation of the lifting system.
Implementation Method 1
each control unit and the control device comprising a transmitter/receiver in order to transmit control signals
Implementation Method 2
a data interface for wireless transmission of a presence signal being provided on each of the control units and on the control device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lifting system and a method for controlling the lifting system, as well as a control system for a lifting system of this type in which an evaluation signal and a control signal are transmitted in order to actuate the lifting devices.