Wireless Charging for Portable Vehicle Lifts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lift systems face challenges in maintaining battery charge when they are out of range of a physical recharging power source, as traditional wired charging methods are impractical and inefficient, especially for mobile applications where cords can interfere with operation and mobility.

Innovation Solution

A wireless charging system for vehicle lifts that includes power transmitters arranged in a circular pattern, typically on the ceiling of a service facility, and power receivers integrated with the lift, allowing for efficient energy transfer over both near-field and far-field distances, with a power control system to condition the received energy for battery charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired charging methods are used for mobile vehicle lifts, then battery charging is achieved, but mobility and operation are interfered with by cords

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery chargingVSAvoidmobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired charging system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transfer system. The transmitter generates an electromagnetic field that inductively couples with the receiver on the lift, eliminating the need for physical cord connections while maintaining reliable battery charging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the charging infrastructure (transmitter) and the mobile lift (receiver). This intermediary enables energy transfer without direct physical contact, resolving the conflict between charging reliability and operational mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wired charging methods are used for mobile vehicle lifts, then battery charging is achieved, but charging efficiency is reduced when out of range of power sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery chargingVSAvoidcharging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical plug-and-play wired charging system with a wireless electromagnetic induction system. This substitution allows the lift to charge efficiently while mobile, as the electromagnetic field can be maintained over the necessary operating distances without the constraints of cord length or physical connection requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If wireless charging system is implemented, then mobility and operation are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidcharging system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the charging system into separate functional components: a transmitter (fixed infrastructure) and a receiver (mobile lift). This extraction allows the complex electromagnetic field generation and reception mechanisms to be distributed, with the receiver on the lift being relatively simple while the complexity is managed in the fixed transmitter infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If wireless charging system is implemented, then charging availability is improved, but energy loss may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging availabilityVSAvoidenergy transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the electromagnetic field transfer parameters including frequency, field strength, and coupling distance to maximize charging efficiency. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves high charging availability across various operating conditions while minimizing energy loss in the wireless power transfer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 continuous charging of vehicle lift batteries without the need for physical connections, maintaining operational readiness even when lifts are used outside standard recharging areas, while minimizing interference and ensuring mobility and safety during maintenance tasks.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

power receivers integrated with the lift, allowing for efficient energy transfer over both near-field and far-field distances, with a power control system to condition the received energy for battery charging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9884751B2Battery operated vehicle lifts with wireless charging

Publication Date: 2018.02.06 GRAY MFG CO INC

AI summary

A portable vehicle lift with a wireless charging system. The vehicle lift comprises a base, a carriage configured for receiving a wheel of a vehicle, a lift actuator configured to vertically raise and lower the carriage relative to the base, and a battery configured to provide electrical power to the vehicle lift. The vehicle lift additionally includes a receiver electrically coupled with the battery, and a transmitter for transmitting electrical energy to the receiver.