Modular Power System for Vehicle Lifting Columns
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting columns require a permanent electrical connection or battery power, limiting their range and mobility, as they need recharging after a number of operations, which restricts their availability for lifting tasks.
Innovation Solution
A modular power system with variable energy storage systems, including batteries and supercapacitors, that can be adjusted based on lifting requirements, combined with an energy regeneration system and management system for efficient energy use and charging, allowing independent operation and increased flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a permanent electrical connection is used to power the lifting column, then the drive has continuous power supply, but the range of operation is limited and mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into modular energy storage units (batteries) that can be independently arranged and configured. This allows the lifting column to be powered without a permanent electrical connection, enabling mobility while maintaining power supply capability through configurable battery arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
An energy storage system (batteries) acts as an intermediary between the drive and the power source. This intermediary enables the lifting column to operate independently from the electrical grid, providing both power supply continuity and mobility by storing energy locally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a battery is used to power the mobile lifting column, then the range of operation is improved, but the lifting column requires recharging after a number of operations, reducing availability
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple separable battery units that can be independently managed. This segmentation allows for flexible configuration and enables rapid replacement of depleted batteries with charged ones, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Batteries are pre-charged before use and can be quickly swapped into the lifting column when needed. This preliminary preparation of energy storage units ensures that the lifting column remains available for operations without requiring time-consuming on-site recharging.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the number of energy storage systems is increased to extend operation duration, then the lifting column can perform more operations, but the device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into standardized modular battery units that can be easily added or removed based on operational requirements. This modular approach extends operation duration without significantly increasing system complexity, as each unit is self-contained and follows a standard configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The number and configuration of energy storage systems are made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. Users can adapt the power system configuration to match specific operational needs, optimizing the balance between operation duration and system complexity for different应用场景.
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 modular power system enhances the mobility and flexibility of lifting columns by enabling them to operate independently, increasing the number of lifting operations without recharging, and optimizing energy use through energy regeneration and management, thus reducing downtime and infrastructure needs.
Implementation Method 1
In the ascent mode hydraulic oil is pumped to a cylinder for lifting the carrier
Implementation Method 2
in a descent mode is configured for energy generation enabling the pump to drive the motor as generator
Implementation Method 3
an energy storage system includes regular batteries and also all other energy storage systems capable of storing energy and providing energy/power to the drive
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lifting column, lifting system and method for lifting a vehicle. The lifting column according to the invention includes a frame with a carrier configured for carrying the vehicle; a drive for driving the carrier in at least one of the ascent or descent of the carrier; and a modular power system configured for providing power to the drive and adapted to comprise a variable number of energy storage systems.