Mobile Vehicle Lift Columns With Flexible Position Registration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lifting systems for vehicles require a predefined and fixed positioning of columns relative to each other and the vehicle, making it cumbersome to reposition the system for different vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A method for setting up and controlling a lifting system that allows columns to be registered without predefined positioning, enabling flexible repositioning of columns for different vehicles, and allowing for groups of columns to be activated simultaneously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If columns are registered with predefined positioning relative to the vehicle, then the system provides structured control and identification, but it becomes cumbersome to reposition the system for different vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbility to reposition columns for different vehiclesVSAvoidSetup complexity for repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static predefined positioning to dynamic adaptive positioning. Columns are initially registered without fixed positional relationships, allowing them to be freely repositioned. The control unit dynamically identifies and associates columns with vehicle lifting points based on their current positions rather than predetermined assignments, enabling flexible adaptation to different vehicle configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of column identification from fixed positional coordinates to dynamic detection-based identification. Instead of columns being identified by their predefined positions relative to the vehicle, the control unit detects column positions and automatically establishes associations, allowing the system to adapt to different vehicle types and sizes without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If columns are registered in a specific sequence with fixed positional relationships, then the system maintains consistent identification, but it requires more time to set up and reposition for different vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSetup time for lifting systemVSAvoidTime required for column registration and positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic self-identification and self-association. When columns are powered on, they automatically transmit their identification codes to the control unit, which then detects their positions and autonomously establishes the relationship between columns and vehicle lifting points without requiring manual registration or sequential positioning by operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Columns are pre-equipped with identification codes and automatic detection capabilities before use. The control unit is pre-programmed with the logic to automatically detect column positions and establish associations, so that when the system is deployed, the matching process occurs automatically without requiring time-consuming manual configuration or sequential registration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the system requires predefined positioning of columns, then it ensures proper alignment with vehicle lifting points, but it reduces flexibility when working with different vehicle types

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAlignment accuracy with vehicle lifting pointsVSAvoidCompatibility with different vehicle types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic detection to determine column positions relative to the vehicle rather than relying on static predefined positions. The control unit detects the actual positions of columns when they are placed near the vehicle and automatically establishes the correct associations with lifting points, ensuring proper alignment for each specific vehicle configuration while maintaining flexibility for different vehicle types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to work with multiple vehicle types through a universal detection and association mechanism. The control unit can detect and associate columns with various lifting points on different vehicle configurations without requiring vehicle-specific programming or predefined position sets, making the system universally applicable while maintaining reliable alignment through automatic detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3458404B1An improved method for the set-up and control of a lift system
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 O ME R SPA
  • EP3458404B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3458404B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3458404B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Method and system for the setup and the control of a system for the lifting of loads, preferably of motor vehicles (11). The system comprises at least two mobile lifting columns (4) that are activable simultaneously. The method comprises the following steps in which the user: positions himself, column (4) after column, in any order, in correspondence of each column (4) that is intended to be registered as belonging to said system and acts on at least one activation command, that is provided in the corresponding user interface (12) of each of said columns (4), for registering said columns as belonging to said lifting system without setting and defining any relationship regard to the mutual position of the columns and to their operating positions with respect to the load (11) to be lifted and to their positioning sequence with respect to the load (11) to be lifted; the user interface (12) of each of said columns (4) being configured so as to not provide to the user any information, by means of said user interface (12), regarding the position of the column, on which the user is acting, in relation to the other columns and to the load (11 ), moves physically, in any order, each registered column (4) to locate it in correspondence of any of the operating areas/positions (17) provided for the lifting of said load (11), positions himself in correspondence of one of the registered columns (4) and, by acting on the user interface (12) of said column, assigns to said column the role of command column of the other columns of said lifting system, commands, by acting on the user interface (12) of the command column, the simultaneous lifting/lowering of at least one and/or all the columns of said lifting system.