Wireless Control Pendant for Automotive Lift Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lift systems face difficulties in allowing operators to easily view and control the positioning of superstructures under the vehicle due to fixed control locations, making it challenging to determine proper positioning while operating the lift.
Innovation Solution
A pendant control system that allows for wireless communication between a control cabinet and a pendant control unit, featuring a membrane panel with touchpad switches and a menu screen for interactive control, enabling operators to select vehicle profiles and control lift assemblies remotely, with a lift rocker joystick and emergency stop button for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If controls are located in a fixed location (control cabinet or lift column), then control structure is simple and stable, but operator visibility and control over vehicle positioning is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into a fixed control cabinet containing the control unit and a portable pendant control unit. The pendant control unit can be held or positioned by the operator at various locations, providing flexible visibility and control while the main control system remains stationary. This segmentation allows the operator to view vehicle positioning closely while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pendant control unit serves as an intermediary between the operator and the fixed control cabinet. It transmits control signals wirelessly or via cable to the control cabinet, enabling the operator to control the lift from a convenient position with good visibility of the vehicle and superstructure positioning.
2Ease of operation
If controls are affixed to lift column or control cabinet, then control system is stable and reliable, but operator cannot easily determine proper positioning of superstructures under vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The pendant control unit introduces dynamic positioning capability to the control system. Unlike fixed controls, the pendant can be moved to different locations and angles, allowing the operator to position it where it provides the best view of the vehicle and superstructure alignment while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is extended into a new spatial dimension through the portable pendant unit. This allows the operator to access controls from multiple positions around the vehicle rather than being constrained to a single fixed location, improving the ability to visually assess superstructure positioning while operating the lift.
3Productivity
If fixed control location is used, then installation and setup is simple, but operator efficiency and safety during lift operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pendant control unit provides multi-functional capability, serving as both a control interface and a positioning aid. It can be used in various operational scenarios (lifting, lowering, positioning) and can be positioned differently for different tasks, making the control system more versatile and efficient without requiring multiple separate devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for operating a vehicle lift comprises at least one lifting assembly (110, 120), a control unit (130), and a control pendant (150). The control pendant is configured to remotely control the motion of the vehicle lift through the control unit. The control pendant is configured to permit the lifting of a vehicle by the push of a single button on the control pendant. To permit lifting of a vehicle with a single button, the control pendant comprises a menu screen and a plurality of menu buttons. The menu screen and the plurality of menu buttons may be used together by a user to select one vehicle profile of a plurality of vehicle profiles. The selected vehicle profile may correspond to the vehicle being lifted. The selected vehicle profile provides specific data with respect to how the at least one lifting assembly should be moved for the particular vehicle being lifted.