Lock Sensor for Vehicle Lifting Safety Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle lifting systems face safety issues due to false indications of safe operating conditions when using axle stands, which can lead to accidents, as the hydraulic system is relieved, causing undesired movements and incorrect load detection.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lifting system equipped with a height sensing system and a locking mechanism featuring a moveable locking element and a lock sensor to directly measure the locking element's position, providing accurate safety indications and preventing false detections, along with a controller to enable or disable operation based on sensor signals and a central display for visualizing the status of locking elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a hydraulic system is used for lifting the carrier, then the carrier can be raised and lowered efficiently, but the system provides incorrect indications of safe operating conditions when the hydraulic system is relieved (e.g., when using axle stands)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic pressure-based safety indication system with a direct mechanical locking element position detection system. The lock sensor directly measures the position of the locking element (ratchet pawl) relative to the stop frame, providing accurate safety indications that are independent of hydraulic system pressure or load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lock sensor as an intermediary device that directly detects the mechanical locking state. This sensor acts as a mediator between the mechanical locking mechanism and the control system, providing reliable position information without being affected by hydraulic pressure changes or load variations.
2Reliability
If a mechanical ratchet locking system is used to prevent undesired movements, then safety against undesired carrier movement is improved, but the system provides false safe operating indications when load is removed (e.g., axle stands usage)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the indirect hydraulic pressure-based detection method with a direct mechanical position detection system. The lock sensor directly monitors the locking element's position, providing accurate information about the actual mechanical locking state regardless of load conditions or hydraulic pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where the lock sensor continuously monitors the locking element position and provides real-time information to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures that the control system has accurate information about the actual locking state, enabling proper safety indications and operational control.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to determine load acting on the hydraulic system, then load indication is provided, but incorrect load detection occurs when the hydraulic system is relieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pressure sensor-based load detection system with a direct mechanical position detection system. Instead of inferring load from hydraulic pressure, the lock sensor directly detects the locking element position, providing accurate information about the actual mechanical locking state independent of load or pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock sensor serves as an intermediary that directly measures the mechanical locking state without being influenced by hydraulic pressure or load conditions. This intermediary measurement approach provides accurate position information that is not affected by the relief of hydraulic system pressure.
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
The system ensures a safer working environment by accurately determining the locking mechanism's status, preventing accidents and improving overall safety by providing real-time feedback and enabling/disabling the lifting device based on safe or unsafe conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the locking mechanism comprises a lock sensor for measuring the position of the locking element
Implementation Method 2
a height sensing system that is configured for directly and/or indirectly measuring the height of the carrier
Implementation Method 3
In the ascent mode, hydraulic oil is pumped to a cylinder for lifting the carrier and, therefore, the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a lifting device, lifting system and method for lifting a vehicle. The lifting device includes a frame with a moveable carrier that is configured for carrying the vehicle; a drive which acts on the carrier and is configured for raising and/or lowering the carrier relative to the frame; a height sensing system that is configured for directly and/or indirectly measuring the height of the carrier; and a locking mechanism for mechanically locking the carrier at a desired height, including a moveable locking element capable of locking and unlocking the carrier. The locking mechanism includes a lock sensor for measuring the position of the locking element.