Wireless Vehicle Lift with Ball Screw and Battery Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle lift products rely on external power sources such as pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric systems, lacking flexibility and self-contained power options, which limits their ability to lift vehicles from various positions and locations without being tethered to a power source.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lift assembly with a base, pivoting support legs, a mast, a guided carriage, and a ball screw and nut assembly, powered by a cordless drill or integrated battery unit, allowing for wireless control and optional attachments for lifting from different positions, featuring anti-reversing and ratcheting locking mechanisms for safety and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external power sources (pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric) are used for vehicle lifting, then lifting power and reliability are improved, but device portability and operational flexibility deteriorate due to tethering requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lift assembly incorporates an integrated power source (battery-operated motor or cordless drill interface) that enables the system to service itself without external power connections. This self-contained power unit allows the lift to operate independently, eliminating tethering requirements while maintaining lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system is segmented into a portable, removable battery unit that can be detached and recharged separately from the main lift mechanism. This segmentation allows the lift body to remain lightweight and portable while still providing access to sufficient power when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a self-contained power source is integrated into the lift assembly, then operational flexibility and portability are improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lift assembly is designed to accept multiple power source configurations - it can operate with an integrated battery unit, interface with a cordless drill, or potentially connect to external power sources. This multi-functionality allows the same basic mechanism to adapt to different power availability scenarios without requiring multiple different lift systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system configuration is made dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed. The lift can transition between different power source modes (integrated battery, cordless drill interface, or external power) depending on operational needs, allowing the system complexity to be optimized for each specific use case.
3Ease of operation
If the lift assembly is designed for portability without external power sources, then ease of operation and mobility are improved, but lifting power and reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional heavy-duty hydraulic or pneumatic mechanical power systems are replaced with a more compact motor-driven ball screw mechanism. This substitution maintains sufficient lifting power for vehicle maintenance while enabling integration of lighter, portable power sources like battery units or cordless drill interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic engagement of the ball screw mechanism with the carriage provides reliable, controlled lifting motion. The mechanical advantage of the ball screw converts rotational motion from the portable power source into precise linear motion, ensuring reliable lifting power is delivered despite the reduced size and weight of the power source.
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
Enables lifting vehicles without external power, providing flexibility in lifting positions and locations, ensuring safety with redundant locking mechanisms, and allowing for wireless operation, making it suitable for various vehicle maintenance tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a ball screw and nut assembly at least partially defined in the mast, the ball screw and nut assembly having a ball bearing nut coupled to the guided carriage and configured to selectively travel linearly along a ball screw. Rotation of the ball screw selectively moves the guided carriage and lifting member along the mast.
Implementation Method 2
the power unit has a battery and a wireless transponder
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lift assembly having an input shaft, a first ball screw coupled to rotate with the input shaft, a ball screw nut coupled to a first bracket and configured to selectively move a lifting member based on rotation of the first ball screw, and a power unit coupled to the input shaft, the power unit having a wireless transponder and configured to be selectively powered based on wireless signals received by the transponder from a remote device.