Movable Underpan Structure for Lift Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting systems lack reliable and efficient methods to detect and prevent obstacles, such as humans or objects, from being crushed under moving platforms, often involving complex and costly detection systems that are difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A lifting system with a movably mounted underpan featuring hook-like protrusions engaging with the platform's protruding profile, equipped with sensors or switches to detect obstacles and stop the platform's movement, allowing for easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex detection systems are used to detect obstacles under the lifting system, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex sensor systems and implements it through the simple mechanical underpan structure. The underpan itself becomes the detection mechanism through its movable mounting, eliminating the need for separate complex detection systems while maintaining reliable obstacle detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The underpan system performs self-detection through its own movement. When an obstacle is detected, the underpan moves due to pressure force, and this movement automatically triggers the stop function through integrated sensors or switches, making the system self-sufficient without requiring complex external detection equipment.
2Reliability
If complex detection systems are implemented, then safety reliability improves, but ease of manufacture and maintenance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The underpan is designed as a separate, modular component with movable mounting that can be installed independently from the main lifting system. This segmentation allows for easier manufacture and installation while maintaining the reliable detection function through the underpan's independent movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The underpan employs movable mounting instead of fixed attachment, allowing it to move freely in response to pressure forces. This dynamic design simplifies the overall system structure and makes installation easier while maintaining reliable detection through the underpan's natural movement when obstacles are present.
3Strength
If fixed protection plates are used, then structural strength improves, but ease of operation and maintenance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed protection plate into a movable underpan structure. The underpan can move freely due to pressure forces from obstacles, enabling it to perform both protective and detection functions. This dynamic design maintains structural strength while dramatically improving ease of operation and maintenance compared to fixed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable underpan serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides protection like a fixed plate, detects obstacles through its movement, and triggers the stop function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection systems and simplifies maintenance while maintaining protective strength.
Data Source
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Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a lifting system, preferably a platform lift, open or closed, for transporting a person or an object from a first level to a second level, wherein the lifting system comprises an underpan positioned at a bottom surface of a platform, wherein said underpan ensures that no person or objects a present in the area under the platform while the platform is moving up or down, and said underpan is being movably mounted on the bottom surface of the platform by at least one hook-like protrusion, and wherein said hook-like protrusion of the underpan engages with a protruding profile of the platform. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for stopping the movement of a lifting system. Moreover, the invention relates to a computer program.