Tail Lift Platform Leveling via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tail lift systems require complex mechanical and hydraulic equipment for ground leveling and struggle with precise alignment, leading to time-consuming operations and potential interruptions during lifting and lowering processes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of inclination and acceleration sensors to determine the pivoting angle and dynamic values of the loading platform, allowing for automatic monitoring and control of movement sequences, including ground leveling, without the need for additional mechanical or hydraulic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical and hydraulic equipment is used for ground leveling, then ground leveling can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical and hydraulic ground leveling equipment with an electronic control system using inclination sensors and a control unit. The control unit automatically adjusts the loading platform's inclination based on sensor data, eliminating the need for complex mechanical leveling mechanisms while achieving the same ground adaptation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic ground leveling through self-measurement and self-adjustment. The inclination sensor continuously monitors the platform's angle, and the control unit automatically commands the drive mechanism to adjust the inclination, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and reducing operational time.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation of actuators is used for alignment, then the loading platform can be positioned, but the operation time increases and precision is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the inclination sensor continuously provides real-time data about the loading platform's angle to the control unit. The control unit compares the measured inclination with the desired inclination and automatically adjusts the platform position, ensuring precise alignment without manual intervention and significantly reducing positioning time.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual actuator operation is replaced with an automated electronic control system. The control unit sends electrical signals to the drive mechanism based on sensor feedback, enabling precise and rapid positioning of the loading platform without requiring operator skill or time-consuming manual adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inclination changes during lifting and lowering, then ground adaptation can be achieved, but the lifting process is interrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous lifting and lowering operations by performing ground adaptation automatically during the movement process. The inclination sensor continuously monitors the platform angle, and the control unit makes real-time adjustments without interrupting the lifting or lowering sequence, maintaining operational continuity and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary ground assessment using the inclination sensor before and during the lifting/lowering operation. This allows the control unit to pre-calculate and execute the necessary inclination adjustments in advance or during movement, eliminating the need to stop and reposition the platform, thus maintaining continuous operation.
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 simplifies and safes the operation of tail lifts by enabling precise control and automatic monitoring of movement sequences, reducing operational time and preventing impermissible commands that could lead to damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inclination sensor (18) is provided, in particular assigned to the loading platform (12)
Implementation Method 2
at least one acceleration sensor (19) is provided, in particular assigned to the loading platform (12)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Liftgates (10) have a loading platform (12) that can be raised, lowered, and pivoted. The individual movements are controlled manually, requiring considerable practice and skill. Furthermore, wedge-shaped loading platforms (12) require leveling after being lowered onto the ground (20). This is currently achieved using complex mechanisms. The invention provides for equipping the loading platform (12) with at least one accelerometer (19) in addition to a tilt sensor (18). The accelerometer (19) can detect whether movements, particularly raising and lowering, of the loading platform (12) have been completed or interrupted. In this way, leveling can be performed automatically, for example. When leveling is reversed, the tilt sensor (18) detects whether the loading platform (12) has been sufficiently raised.The tilt sensor (18) together with the acceleration sensor (19) leads to at least partially automated control of the loading platform (12), to monitoring of the movement sequences and to at least partial automation of the movement sequences and their sequencing.