Mobility Vehicle Lift Rail Structure for Compact Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lift systems for mobility devices are cumbersome, require excessive steel, are costly to manufacture, and lack adequate illumination for operation in dark conditions, posing challenges for users with mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lift system utilizing extruded rails with a hold-down arm and integrated LED lighting, allowing for horizontal and vertical movement of a platform with a handheld control, reducing the need for external straps and enhancing usability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel channel/roller systems are used to support the platform, then the system can bear the required load, but the system becomes tall and occupies excessive cargo area space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested rail configuration where inner rails are positioned within outer rails, and central rails are positioned within outer rails. This nesting arrangement allows multiple structural elements to occupy the same spatial envelope, achieving the required load distribution and structural strength while minimizing the overall height and cargo area occupation.
2Strength
If I-beam or C channels with rollers are used, then the structure can support heavy loads, but the system requires substantial steel and becomes costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple discrete rail segments (outer rails, central rails, inner rails) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for more efficient manufacturing processes, reduced material waste, and lower overall costs compared to fabricating large monolithic steel channels, while still achieving the required load support capacity through the distributed rail configuration.
3Strength
If welds are used to assemble lift components, then the structure achieves high strength, but manufacturing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system is designed as an assembly of discrete, pre-fabricated rail components that connect through mechanical means rather than requiring extensive welding operations. This segmentation enables faster assembly processes while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed load path across multiple rail elements and connection points.
4Reliability
If hold down straps are positioned away from the user for security, then the device is securely restrained, but users with mobility challenges cannot easily access them
Solution Approach 1:
The hold down arm integrates the securing function with the platform structure itself, positioning the securing mechanism directly adjacent to where the user loads the device. This merging of functions allows users to easily access and operate the hold down mechanism while it remains effective at restraining the mobility device, eliminating the need for separate, remotely positioned straps.
5Use of energy by stationary object
If vehicle illumination is relied upon for nighttime operation, then the system uses existing vehicle resources, but the illumination is inadequate and may be obscured by the lift structure
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system incorporates its own dedicated lighting components that are self-contained and controlled independently of the vehicle's lighting system. This self-service approach ensures adequate illumination is always available at the critical areas around the mobility device, regardless of the vehicle's lighting state or the lift's position, enabling safe nighttime operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lift includes a lift base, a movable lift tower, and a movable platform. A first rail is configured to move the lift tower horizontally, and includes a outer extruded rails secured to the lift base, central extruded rails movable with respect to the outer extruded rails, and inner extruded rails movable with respect to the central extruded rails and fixed to the lift tower. A second rail assembly is fixed to the lift tower and may move the platform vertically with respect to the lift tower, and includes a outer extruded rails secured to the lift tower, central extruded rails movable with respect to the outer extruded rails, and inner extruded rails movable with respect to the central extruded rails and fixed to the lift tower.