Wireless Vehicle Lift Charging via Light Energy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lift systems require permanent power cables, limiting mobility and necessitating a solution for wireless charging to keep lifts charged when out of range of a power cord.

Innovation Solution

A wireless charging system for vehicle lifts that converts electrical energy into light energy, transmits it using light transmitters, and converts back into electrical energy via photovoltaic receivers, allowing for efficient charging over long distances without physical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanent power cables are used for vehicle lifts, then the lifts can be continuously charged, but the mobility of the lifts is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous chargingVSAvoidmobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical electrical connection system (power cables and connectors) with an optical wireless power transmission system. Light transmitters convert electrical energy to light energy, which is transmitted through air to photovoltaic receivers on the lift, converting it back to electrical energy. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cable connections while maintaining continuous power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer energy between the power source and the vehicle lift. The light transmitter converts electrical energy to light energy, the light travels through air as the intermediary medium, and the photovoltaic receiver converts it back to electrical energy. This intermediary approach enables wireless power transmission while maintaining continuous charging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless charging devices are used for small batteries, then mobility is improved, but the charging distance and power magnitude are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidcharging distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of the wireless power transmission system by using high-power light transmitters and optimized photovoltaic receivers designed for automotive-scale batteries. The system operates at power levels suitable for vehicle lift batteries rather than small consumer electronics, enabling effective charging distances of several feet while maintaining high power magnitude for quick charging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless charging devices are used for small batteries, then mobility is improved, but the charging power magnitude is insufficient for quick charging

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidcharging power magnitude

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the power magnitude parameter by designing the light transmitter and photovoltaic receiver system to operate at high power levels appropriate for automotive batteries. The system delivers sufficient power magnitude to charge vehicle lift batteries quickly, overcoming the low power limitation of consumer electronics wireless charging devices.

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 lifts without the need for wired connections, enhancing mobility and efficiency by providing quick and efficient power transfer over extended ranges.

Implementation Method 1

The wireless charging system converts electrical energy into light energy, transmits the light energy to the vehicle lifts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

converts the light energy back into electrical energy for use by the vehicle lifts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11616404B2Wireless vehicle lift charging using light

Publication Date: 2023.03.28 GRAY MFG CO INC

AI summary

A vehicle lift system configured for wireless charging is disclosed. The vehicle lift system includes a vehicle lift and a light transmitter. The vehicle lift includes a base, a carriage, a lift actuator, a battery, and a photovoltaic receiver. The carriage is configured for receiving a wheel of a vehicle. The lift actuator is configured to vertically raise and lower the carriage relative to the base. The battery is configured to provide electrical energy to the vehicle lift. The photovoltaic receiver is electrically coupled with the battery. The light transmitter is configured for transmitting electrical energy to said photovoltaic receiver. Thus, the battery of the vehicle lift can be recharged wirelessly, such that the vehicle lift need not have a wired power connection.