Mobile Lift Column Auto-Alignment for Vehicle Lift Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of lifting vehicles using frame-engaging lifts is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and dangerous due to the need for repeated adjustments and visual verification of lift points, often requiring repositioning of the vehicle and lift members, which can lead to miscommunication and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An automated mobile column system with positioning wheels, lift members, sensors, and a controller that automatically identifies vehicle features and positions itself relative to the vehicle, allowing for precise alignment and lifting without manual repositioning, using Mecanum wheels for accurate movement and image analysis for feature identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual positioning and visual verification of lift members are used, then flexibility in handling various vehicle types is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-positioning of lift members using sensors and controllers that detect vehicle lift points and autonomously adjust member positions, eliminating the need for manual intervention and visual verification while maintaining adaptability to different vehicle types
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical positioning and visual verification are replaced with an automated system using sensors, controllers, and image analysis technology that detect and locate lift points, then automatically position lift members through electronic control of positioning mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If repeated visual verification and manual adjustment are performed, then accurate positioning of lift members is achieved, but the process becomes dangerous due to miscommunication and personnel safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic detection and positioning without requiring personnel to be in dangerous positions, with sensors and cameras autonomously identifying lift points and the control system safely executing positioning commands
Solution Approach 2:
Visual verification by personnel is replaced with sensor-based detection and image analysis systems that accurately locate lift points without exposing humans to safety risks, while electronic control systems replace manual adjustment operations
3Reliability
If multiple personnel including visual spotters are used, then safe operation is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously performs detection, positioning, and adjustment operations without requiring multiple personnel, with sensors and controllers self-managing the lifting process while maintaining safety through automated error detection and correction
Solution Approach 2:
Human visual spotters and operators are replaced with an automated control system using sensors, cameras, and image processing algorithms that detect vehicle features, locate lift points, and control lift member positioning without human intervention
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile lift column (200) is configured to automatically position itself with respect to a vehicle (112) to be lifted. A proximity and object sensor is used to identify a location of a vehicle and navigate obstructions while advancing to the vehicle. The column includes a set of automatically driven Mecanum wheels (222, 224) that can be variably controlled to provide precise movement in any direction without rotating the column. A camera (244) positioned on the column identifies a wheel of the vehicle, and an alignment beam is projected onto the wheel to verify centering on the wheel. Once positioned, the column may operate one of several lift members, including a pair of removable fork adapters (216, 218), to extend underneath the vehicle and contact the vehicle lifting points. With at least two columns properly positioned, each mobile column can simultaneously raise its lift member(s) to lift the vehicle to a desired height.