Automatic Remote Control Pairing for Vehicle Tail Lifts

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for operating tail lifts, particularly when connecting or disconnecting towing and trailer vehicles, require extensive manual configuration and risk operational errors due to the need for manual coupling of control units, which can lead to incorrect pairings with nearby vehicles.

Innovation Solution

The method automates the coupling of remote control units between towing and trailer vehicles by detecting connection parameters and using a time measurement device to ensure synchronized signal exchange within a predetermined interval, allowing wireless operation and preventing incorrect pairings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual coupling of control units is used when connecting towing and trailer vehicles, then the system can be operated, but extensive configuration measures are required and operational errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling operationVSAvoidconfiguration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic coupling of control units through self-identification and self-pairing mechanisms. When vehicles are connected, the control units automatically detect each other, exchange identification codes, and establish wireless communication without requiring manual configuration by the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical coupling operations with automated electronic identification and wireless communication systems. The control units use electronic signal exchange and coded communication to establish connections, eliminating the need for manual pairing procedures.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual coupling of control units is used, then the system can be configured, but the risk of incorrect pairing with nearby vehicles increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle connectivityVSAvoidpairing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system assigns unique identification codes to each control unit and vehicle combination, creating locally specific recognition patterns. The automatic coupling process uses these unique identifiers to ensure that only the correct control unit pairs with its intended vehicle, preventing incorrect pairings with nearby vehicles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control units exchange identification signals and verify pairing status through feedback mechanisms. The system confirms successful coupling by verifying matching identification codes and maintains reliable communication only between correctly paired units, eliminating ambiguity in vehicle-control unit associations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If factory-assigned control units are used for each vehicle, then coupling is predetermined, but flexibility in vehicle changes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling accuracyVSAvoidvehicle interchangeability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static factory-assigned pairings to dynamic automatic identification and pairing. Control units can adapt to different vehicle combinations through automated recognition processes, allowing flexible vehicle changes while maintaining reliable coupling through real-time identification verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control units are designed with universal compatibility through standardized identification protocols and wireless communication interfaces. A single control unit can pair with different vehicles through automatic recognition, providing multi-functionality and flexibility while maintaining reliable operation across various vehicle configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3205535B1Method for operating a platform lift and platform lift
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 BAR MANAGEMENT UND BET MBH
  • EP3205535B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3205535B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3205535B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a lifting platform (2, 2a, 2b) on a motor vehicle comprising a towing vehicle (90) and a trailer vehicle (92), each with a lifting and swiveling mechanism (8), with a platform (6) that can be raised and lowered and which, in the raised state, can be swiveled from a horizontal swiveling position to a vertical swiveling position, and with a drive for the lifting and swiveling mechanism (8), and an electrical or electronic control unit (26, 26a, 26b), wherein a remote control (40, 40a, 40b) is provided for remote control of the electrical or electronic control unit (26, 26a,26b) is provided with a hand-held control unit (42) that can be carried by the operator and with a first transmitter/receiver unit (44a) assigned to a first control unit (26a) for a first lifting platform (2a) on the towing vehicle (90) and with a second transmitter/receiver unit (44b) assigned to a second control unit (26b) for a second lifting platform (2b) on the trailer vehicle (92), characterized in that the state of at least one connection parameter between the towing vehicle (90) and the trailer vehicle (92) is detected and that, upon detection of a specific state of the connection parameter, a coupling of the hand-held control unit (42) and the second transmitter/receiver unit (44b) is automatically carried out such that the hand-held control unit (42) and the second transmitter/receiver unit (44b) can be used to operate the second lifting platform (2b) of the trailer vehicle (92) via the remote control (40b). are wirelessly connectable.