Vehicle Lift Speed Control Using Load-Sensing Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle lifts are time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the need for manual control and constant observation, leading to significant labor costs in high-volume service environments, as technicians must adjust lift speed based on vehicle weight, which can result in inefficient use of time and resources.
Innovation Solution
A system with a control system that adjusts lift speed by determining the potential raising speed based on vehicle weight using feedback loops and sensors, allowing for variable speed control through components like variable frequency drives, pulse width modulation, and weight sensors, enabling optimized lift performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual control and constant observation are used to ensure safe lifting, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system automatically determines vehicle weight using sensors and autonomously adjusts lifting speed based on the detected load, eliminating the need for manual intervention and constant observation while maintaining safe operation through automated control
2Productivity
If lift speed is increased to improve productivity, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential safety risks with improper speed control
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors vehicle weight through sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust lifting speed, ensuring that the lift operates at optimal speeds while maintaining safety margins based on real-time load conditions
3Productivity
If variable speed control is implemented to optimize lifting based on vehicle weight, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with automated electronic sensing and control systems that use sensors, microprocessors, and control algorithms to determine vehicle weight and adjust lifting speed, reducing manual complexity while improving efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A set of lift controls may be configured to determine the load on the motor (112) by a vehicle of an unknown weight during operation at a standard lift speed and use such information to determine a potential speed that the motor may raise the vehicle at while staying within safe operational levels for the motor. One or more of a magnitude of electrical power drawn, a pressure generating by a hydraulic lifting, or a sensed vehicle weight may be used to provide an indication of load on the motor and/or a higher potential speed.