Motorhome Transport Platform Height Sensing to Prevent Roof Collisions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorhome systems face challenges in preventing collisions between loaded objects and the transport receptacle's roof surface, especially in poor lighting conditions, due to manual operation of the lifting device.
Innovation Solution
Equipping the transport receptacle with sensors that control the lifting device based on the object's dimensions, allowing for non-contact, three-dimensional scanning of the object's surface and roof surface points to determine safe lifting heights and prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the receiving floor is raised manually using the lifting device, then the user can load and unload objects, but the risk of collision between the object and the transport receptacle roof surface increases in poor lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of the lifting device with an automated control system. A sensor detects the height and position of the object on the receiving floor, and this information is transmitted to a control unit that automatically controls the lifting device to raise the receiving floor to the appropriate height without manual intervention, thereby eliminating collision risks associated with poor lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the lifting device automatically adjusts the receiving floor height based on sensor feedback. The sensor and control unit work autonomously to determine the correct lifting height and execute the lifting operation without requiring user judgment or manual control, making the system self-regulating and collision-free.
2Reliability
If the receiving floor is retracted into the transport holder, then the object can be protected, but the user must manually operate the lifting device which reduces operational comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system. The sensor detects object dimensions and position, the control unit processes this information, and automatically controls the lifting device to raise the receiving floor to the optimal height for retraction, eliminating the need for manual operation and thereby improving operational comfort while maintaining object protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously monitors the object's position and dimensions, transmits this information to the control unit, which then adjusts the lifting device's operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the receiving floor is raised to the precise height needed for safe retraction, making the整个过程 automated and comfortable.
3Reliability
If a sensor is installed on the roof surface of the transport receptacle, then collision detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary element between the object and the control system. The sensor, positioned on the roof surface of the transport receptacle, detects the height and position of the object without physical contact and transmits this information to the control unit, which then automatically adjusts the lifting device. This intermediary sensor enables accurate collision detection while maintaining system integration.
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
Ensures collision-free loading and unloading by automatically controlling the lifting device, enhancing safety and operational comfort by eliminating manual intervention and reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is designed without contact and scans the object without contact... the sensor detects at least one distance between the highest object and the roof surface of the transport receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a motorhome, which is equipped with a chassis (3) supporting a body (1) and having at least two axles (4, 4'), and with a transport platform (7) with a receiving floor (8) arranged in the body (1). The receiving floor (8) is designed to be retractable relative to the body (1) for the purpose of loading and unloading an object (11), for example a passenger car (11). Furthermore, after retraction, the receiving floor (8) loaded with the object (11) is raised within the transport platform (7) by means of a lifting device (9). According to the invention, the transport platform (7) is equipped with at least one sensor (12) which controls the lifting device (9) depending on the dimensions of the object (11) determined by the sensor (12).