Remote Unlocking Mechanism for Vehicle Lifting Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable mechanical lifting devices for vehicles lack a safe, cost-effective, and space-saving mechanism for blocking and unlocking that prevents self-closure in case of actuator failure, posing risks to users and requiring manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A remote-operated hydraulic linear actuator system with a pneumatic or electromechanical actuator and Bowden cable mechanism allows for safe and easy blocking and unlocking of lifting devices, using a pedal or valve for remote operation, suitable for portable devices with low weight and encumbrance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical blocking device is provided to prevent self-closure of the mechanism, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical blocking devices with a simpler system using a percussion element that can be remotely activated. Instead of complex mechanical interlocks, the solution uses a percussive action delivered through a Bowden cable or pneumatic/hydraulic actuator to disengage the blocking means, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a percussion element as an intermediary between the user and the blocking mechanism. This intermediary delivers the unlocking action remotely through a transmission mechanism (Bowden cable, pneumatic, or hydraulic), allowing the user to unlock the device from a safe distance without directly interacting with the complex blocking mechanism.
2Reliability
If a blocking device is provided to prevent self-closure, then safety is improved, but dimensions and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential safety function from complex mechanical blocking devices and implements it through a simplified system. The blocking means is designed to be minimalistic, with the primary safety function achieved through strategic placement of blocking elements rather than complex mechanical structures, thereby reducing weight while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means is designed to be temporarily engaged during operation and easily disengaged when needed. The system allows the blocking elements to be discarded (disengaged) through remote percussion action, and can be recovered (re-engaged) by resetting the mechanism, providing safety only when necessary rather than through permanent heavy structures.
3Device complexity
If manual blocking operation is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a percussion element as an intermediary between the user and the blocking mechanism. This intermediary delivers the unlocking action remotely through a transmission mechanism (Bowden cable, pneumatic, or hydraulic), allowing the user to unlock the device from a safe distance without directly interacting with the complex blocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical blocking devices with a simpler system using a percussion element that can be remotely activated. Instead of complex mechanical interlocks, the solution uses a percussive action delivered through a Bowden cable or pneumatic/hydraulic actuator to disengage the blocking means, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining safety functionality.
4Ease of operation
If remote unlocking system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic remote unlocking systems with simpler pneumatic or hydraulic actuation systems. Instead of electronics, sensors, and control circuits, the solution uses pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to activate the percussion element, achieving remote operation with reduced complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic or hydraulic actuators to deliver the percussion action remotely. Compressed air or hydraulic fluid is used to drive the percussion element through a transmission mechanism, providing reliable remote operation without the complexity of electronic control systems, while maintaining ease of operation through simple pressure activation.
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 system ensures user safety by preventing self-closure of lifting devices during actuator failure, is lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to use, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple devices with a single control unit.
Implementation Method 1
the unlocking means comprises also a spring arranged to keep the percussion element in the first position
Implementation Method 2
The actuating means comprises a hydraulic linear actuator
Implementation Method 3
the linear actuator is a pneumatic actuator and the driving means comprises a pneumatic duct arranged to connect the pneumatic actuator with a source of compressed air
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for lifting vehicles by a ground, said system comprising at least one lifting device (100,100') comprising a support base (110,110') and a mechanism (120,120') arranged to pass between a lower position, where the support base (110,110') is located close to the ground, and an upper position, where the support base (110,110') is located at a predetermined distance from the ground. The lifting device (100,100') comprises then actuating means (130,130') configured for actuating the mechanism (120,120') to make it pass between the lower position and the upper position, blocking means (140,140') arranged to block the mechanism (120,120') in the upper position, and an unlocking means (150,150') arranged to deactivate the blocking means (140,140') for unlocking the mechanism (120,120') from the upper position. In particular, the lifting device (100,100') also comprises driving means (200) arranged to operate the unlocking means (150,150') in a mechanical way and by a remote position with respect to the or to each lifting device (100,100'). [Fig.2,2A]