Tail Lift Camera Layout for Hazard Zone Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tail lift systems lack effective and simplified monitoring solutions, particularly in detecting hazards around the movement area of the platform, which poses a safety risk when the platform is opened or closed, and require significant computing power for image evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A tail lift system equipped with at least one camera capturing images of the area below the platform and an evaluation device providing a signal for hazard detection, allowing the control device to stop or prevent platform movement, with an optional additional camera for monitoring the work surface and reducing the need for complex computing power, enabling safer operation and reduced assembly effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser sensors or multiple sensor devices are used for hazard detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and computing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor systems (laser sensors, multiple camera devices) with a simpler camera-based image processing system. Instead of using multiple specialized sensors to detect hazards, the invention uses a single camera to capture images and evaluates these images to detect objects in the danger zone, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image capture as a copy of the visual scene to detect hazards. By capturing an image of the danger zone and evaluating it for objects, the system creates a visual representation that can be processed to identify hazards, replacing the need for direct physical sensing with optical copying and analysis
2Reliability
If cameras are positioned to monitor area below the platform, then hazard detection capability is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the camera to capture images from a specific angular perspective that allows monitoring of the area below the platform without requiring the camera to be physically located in that area. By using angular positioning and image evaluation techniques, the system achieves monitoring capability while keeping the camera accessible for installation and maintenance
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to monitor both area below platform and work surface, then monitoring coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the camera system so that a single camera can serve multiple monitoring functions. The same camera that monitors the area below the platform can also detect objects on the work surface by evaluating different regions of the captured image, thereby providing universal monitoring coverage without requiring separate specialized cameras for each area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the monitoring functions for the area below the platform and the work surface into a single camera system. By combining the detection of objects in both areas through one camera and unified image evaluation process, the system reduces the number of separate components while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage
4Reliability
If danger zone is defined to include work surface, then safety monitoring is improved, but operator work freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different evaluation criteria to different regions of the captured image. The work surface area is treated differently from the area below the platform - objects on the work surface are evaluated with considerations for operator presence and work activities, while the area below the platform receives stricter hazard detection. This local differentiation allows comprehensive safety monitoring while preserving operator work freedom
Data Source
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AI summary
A lifting platform (100) for a motor vehicle (1000), in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising: a platform (102); at least one camera (200) configured to capture an image (10) of a viewing area (202) of the camera (200), wherein the camera (200) is arranged such that the image (10) at least partially depicts an area (204) below the platform (102) when the platform (102) is in a pivot position (108b) within the viewing area (202) of the camera (200); an evaluation device (300) configured to provide, depending on the captured image (10), a signal (20) that characterizes the presence of at least part of an object (304a - 304b), in particular a person (304a), in a danger zone; and a control device (400) which is configured to stop or prevent a movement of the platform (102) depending on the signal (20) by means of a control signal (30).