Vehicle Loading Platform Lifting System with Chain Pulley Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for lifting vehicle loading platforms, whether with articulated arms or fixed columns, face challenges in accommodating wider vehicles and ensuring door opening clearance, with fixed column systems limiting width and articulated arm systems causing longitudinal encumbrance issues.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring a column with a fixed part connected to the chassis and a sliding moving part actuated by hydraulic cylinders, combined with a chain and pulley mechanism to double the stroke of the loading platform support, allowing reduced longitudinal and vertical encumbrance while maintaining maximum width usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If systems with fixed columns are used to lift the loading platform, then transverse stability and working stroke are improved, but longitudinal encumbrance increases creating problems for door opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse stabilityVSAvoidlongitudinal encumbrance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting system is divided into two independent columns, each capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation allows each column to be positioned optimally for stability while reducing the longitudinal space required by individual columns, thereby solving the contradiction between transverse stability and longitudinal encumbrance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single centralized lifting mechanism to a distributed two-column configuration. By distributing the lifting function across two separate columns positioned at different locations, the system achieves both transverse stability through proper positioning and reduced longitudinal encumbrance by eliminating the need for a single large centralized structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Speed

If systems with articulated arms are used to lift the loading platform, then actuation speed is improved, but longitudinal encumbrance increases creating more problems for door opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation speedVSAvoidlongitudinal encumbrance
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses two independent columns with individual actuation mechanisms rather than a single articulated arm system. This segmentation allows for faster actuation of each column independently while reducing the overall longitudinal space required, as each column can be more compact than a full articulated arm mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs hydraulic actuators within each column to provide rapid actuation. By using hydraulic systems directly integrated into the column structure rather than external articulated arms, the patent achieves high actuation speed while minimizing longitudinal encumbrance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Length of stationary object

If systems with fixed columns are used to lift the loading platform, then working stroke is improved, but width available above loading lane is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking strokeVSAvoidwidth available above loading lane
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the lifting function into two separate columns, each column can be positioned to optimize working stroke independently. The segmented configuration allows the columns to be placed where they provide maximum vertical travel while minimizing their impact on the horizontal loading area, thereby maintaining both working stroke and width availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention moves the lifting mechanism from a centralized position that compromises loading lane width to a distributed two-column configuration. This dimensional redistribution allows full working stroke to be achieved in the vertical dimension while preserving horizontal space above the loading lane for vehicle passage and door opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables the use of the loading platform's full width for wider vehicles and reduced overall size, facilitating door opening and efficient loading/unloading operations.

Implementation Method 1

The moving part 12 is actuated by first actuating means 16, for example comprising a first hydraulic cylinder 16

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a chain and pulley mechanism to double the stroke of the loading platform support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3293047B1System for lifting the loading platform and vehicle for transporting motor vehicles equipped with such system for lifting the loading platform
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 ROLFO
  • EP3293047B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3293047B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3293047B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system (10) for lifting the loading platform (20) of a vehicle for transporting motor vehicles is described, comprising: a column (15) comprising a fixed part (11) connected to a chassis (14) and a moving part (12) assembled sliding on the fixed part (11) and adapted to vertically translate actuated by first actuating means (16); a loading platform support (21) connected to the loading platform (20), said loading platform support (21) being assembled sliding on the moving part (12) and adapted to vertically translate actuated by second actuating means (26) and by third actuating means (27) associated with the second actuating means (26), the third actuating means comprising a chain (27) adapted to actuate the loading platform support (21) and related first pulley (22) and second pulley (23).