Parking Platform Tilt Control via Inclination Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing parking devices face challenges in maintaining long-term usability due to tilting issues and corrosion, especially in underground garages where salt water exposure leads to mechanical wear and corrosion, making it difficult to lift and lower heavy loads smoothly and synchronously.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an inclination sensor on the platform to measure the angle of inclination and feed this data to a control unit, which adjusts the hydraulic pump drive and valves to maintain synchronization and prevent excessive tilting, thereby reducing mechanical stress and corrosion risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If hydraulic cylinders are used to raise and lower the platform, then the platform can be moved vertically, but synchronization errors cause mechanical loads and wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform movement speedVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An inclination sensor is arranged on the platform to continuously measure the angle of inclination about the longitudinal axis. The measured value is fed to a control unit that compares it with a reference value and adjusts the hydraulic pump drive and/or valves in real-time to maintain synchronization and prevent tilting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical synchronization mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses an inclination sensor and control unit to monitor and adjust hydraulic cylinder operation, eliminating mechanical wear from synchronization errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the platform is moved in underground garages, then parking capacity is increased, but corrosion from salt water reduces service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking capacityVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The inclination sensor and control system detect and correct tilting before it causes excessive mechanical stress or corrosion, maintaining optimal operating conditions that extend the service life of hydraulic components in corrosive underground garage environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system proactively prevents tilting by continuously monitoring the angle of inclination and adjusting hydraulic pressure before excessive mechanical loads or corrosion damage can occur, extending the service life of the parking device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If cheap hydraulic elements are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but synchronization disturbances increase mechanical wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidwear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inclination sensor provides continuous feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the hydraulic pump drive and valves to maintain precise synchronization, compensating for the lower precision of cheaper hydraulic components and reducing mechanical wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically changes hydraulic parameters (pressure, flow rate) based on the measured angle of inclination, optimizing the operation of cost-effective hydraulic elements to minimize wear and extend their service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution enhances the sustainability and operational safety of parking devices by ensuring smooth, synchronized movement and reducing the risk of corrosion, leading to a more durable and energy-efficient product with reduced maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

an inclination sensor is arranged on the platform, which measures the angle of inclination of the platform about the longitudinal axis of the platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

at least two hydraulic cylinders, which can be pressurized with the pressure and volume of a hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic pump which Hydraulic fluid is pressurized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3102757B1Parking device for motor vehicles
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 KLAUS MULTIPARKING GMBH
  • EP3102757B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3102757B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3102757B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a parking device (1) for motor vehicles (19) comprising at least one platform (10, 11) that can be raised and lowered and that carries the at least one motor vehicle to be parked. The platform is situated between at least two hydraulic cylinders (30, 30'), which can be supplied with a volume of hydraulic fluid under pressure, and is connected to the extendable elements of the hydraulic cylinder, the motion of the extendable elements causing the platform to be raised and lowered. A tilt sensor (4) is provided on the platform. Said sensor measures the angle of inclination of the platform to the longitudinal axis of said platform. The value of the angle of inclination is fed continuously to a control device (5). The control device regulates the pump drive (33) on the basis of a comparison with a reference value.