Elevator adapter assembly
By designing a lift adapter, the instability and compatibility issues of traditional lifts when supporting irregular components were solved, enabling stable support and flexible operation of various vehicle components.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-27
AI Technical Summary
Traditional lifts are not strong enough to support irregular or unstable car parts and are difficult to be compatible with existing lifting devices.
A lift adapter is designed, including a bottom flange, a support body, a support arm, a bracket assembly, and an interface adapter. Through the adjustable support arm and various interface adapter types, it can adapt to the geometry and size of various vehicle parts, achieving stable support and compatibility.
It achieves stable support for various vehicle components and compatibility with traditional lifting devices, improving safety and operational flexibility.
Smart Images
Figure CN121735155A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to specialized tools for automotive repair. More specifically, this disclosure relates to lifting tools for moving, removing, and lifting heavy automotive parts. Background Technology
[0002] During car repairs, it may be necessary to remove or replace vehicle parts. Some car parts are large and heavy, and for the safety of the user and the parts, a lift is needed to support them during repairs. Traditional lifts may have a flat support surface sufficient to support various parts, but for some parts with irregular geometry or convex surfaces, support by the flat support surface of a traditional lift may not be secure and stable.
[0003] There is a need for a lifting device suitable for engaging and securely supporting a variety of vehicle components of various sizes and geometries. Furthermore, the lifting device must be compatible with existing conventional lifting devices. Summary of the Invention
[0004] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a lift adapter including a bottom flange, a support body, a support arm, a bracket assembly, and an interface adapter. The bottom flange is adapted to connect to a support surface of a vehicle component lift. The support body is connected to the bottom flange. The support arm extends from the support body. The bracket assembly is detachably connected to the support arm. The bracket assembly includes a fastener that engages with the interface adapter. The interface adapter engages with the vehicle component. The support arm is positionally adjustable relative to a rotation point of the support body. The support arm includes a proximal end connected to the support body and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the support body adjusting the rotational position of the support arm relative to the rotation point.
[0005] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a lifting device including a vehicle component lift and a lift adapter. The vehicle component lift has a support surface. The lift adapter has a bottom flange, a support body, a support arm, a bracket assembly, and an interface adapter. The bottom flange is connected to the support surface. The support body is connected to the bottom flange. The support arm extends from the support body. The bracket assembly is detachably connected to the support arm. The bracket assembly includes a fastener that engages with the interface adapter. The interface adapter engages with a vehicle component. The support arm is positionally adjustable relative to a rotation point of the support body. The support arm includes a proximal end connected to the support body and a distal end opposite to the proximal end, the support body adjusting the rotational position of the support arm relative to the rotation point.
[0006] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a lifting device including a vehicle component lifting device and a lifting adapter. The vehicle component lifting device has a support surface. The lifting adapter has a bottom flange, a support body, a plurality of support arms, a plurality of bracket assemblies, and a plurality of interface adapters. The bottom flange is connected to the support surface. The support body is connected to the bottom flange. Each support arm extends from the support body. Each bracket assembly is detachably connected to one of the support arms. The bracket assembly includes a fastener, and the fastener engages with one of the interface adapters. Each interface adapter engages with a vehicle component. The support arms are positionally adjustable relative to a rotation point of the support body. Each support arm includes a proximal end connected to the support body and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the support body adjusting the rotational position of the support arm relative to the rotation point. This embodiment may include a plurality of four support arms, four bracket assemblies, and four interface adapters. In some embodiments, the plurality of interface adapters may include interface adapters of the same type or a mixture of types of interface adapters.
[0007] The foregoing and other aspects of this disclosure will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a lifting device that includes a vehicle component lift and a lift adapter.
[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the lifting device in the alternative configuration.
[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the elevator adapter.
[0011] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A close-up image of the additional features of the elevator adapter.
[0012] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 A close-up image of the additional features of the elevator adapter.
[0013] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating different types of interface adapters used with elevator adapters.
[0014] Figure 7 This is a detailed view of the scalable bridge type interface adapter.
[0015] Figure 8 This is a detailed view of the interface adapter of the tab adapter type.
[0016] Figure 9 This is a detailed view of the tapered adapter type interface adapter.
[0017] Figure 10 This is a detailed view of the interface adapter of the foam block adapter type.
[0018] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a lifting device that includes an electric drive that supports an electric vehicle.
[0019] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a lifting device including a lifting adapter that supports the vehicle subframe.
[0020] Figure 13 It is support Figure 12 A close-up image of the lift adapter of the vehicle subframe, showing additional features. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The embodiments shown are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and may be implemented in various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of specific components. The specific structural and functional details disclosed should not be construed as limiting, but rather as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art how to practice the disclosed concepts.
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a lifting device 10, which includes a vehicle component (VC) lift 100 and a lift adapter 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the VC lift 100 is a VC lift 100a with a first configuration, having a support surface 102 and a multi-axis positioner 104, but other embodiments may include different configurations without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Other embodiments of the VC lift 100 will be described later in this disclosure without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-axis positioner 104 is configured to adjust the relative orientation of the support surface 102 in three rotational dimensions in addition to the three linear dimensions achieved by placing the VC lift 100 along the ground (e.g., natural ground, workspace floor, etc.) and adjusting the vertical height of the VC lift 100.
[0023] The lift adapter 101 includes a bottom flange 103 connected to a support surface 102. The bottom flange 103 is connected to a support body 105 of the lift adapter 101. A plurality of support arms 107 extend from the support body 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the lift adapter 101 includes four support arms 107, but other embodiments may include a single support arm or multiple different support arms without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.
[0024] The lift adapter 101 is configurable to adjust the rotational position of one or more of the support arms 107 along the rotation direction 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the support arms 107 are shown in the "open" position, suitable for receiving loads with a large surface area.
[0025] Figure 2 A lifting device 10 is shown, with the support arm 107 in a "closed" position, suitable for narrower loads or for compact storage of the lift adapter 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the lift adapter 101 is detachably connected to the support surface 102 and can be secured using a retaining mechanism (e.g., one or more bolts, pins, or other retaining mechanisms known to those skilled in the art at the time of this invention). Advantageously, detachably connecting the lift adapter 101 to the VC lift 100 allows the user of the lifting device 10 to use the VC lift 100 for appropriately stable loads while supporting or removing components on vehicle surfaces (e.g., with a large, flat, stable surface), while the lift adapter 101 can be connected to provide compatibility with unstable or irregular vehicle components.
[0026] The support arm 107 can be adjusted to a range of rotation angles relative to the support body 105 and other support arms 107. Advantageously, this range of rotation angles maximizes the compatibility of the lift adapter 101 with various vehicle components during maintenance.
[0027] Additional features of elevator adapter 101 include: Figure 3 As shown. The support body 105 of the lift adapter 101 also includes a top flange 303 that is aligned with the bottom flange 103. The relative rotational position of each support arm 107 (along the direction of rotation, e.g., rotation direction 110; see...) Figure 1 The configuration of the top flange 303 relative to the bottom flange 103 can be adjusted. Each support arm 307 includes a proximal end 311 near the support body 105 and a distal end 313 located at the opposite end of the respective support arm 107. Each proximal end 313 is connected to the support body 105, while each distal end 313 is freely locating to allow rotational movement of the support arm 105 relative to a point of rotation of the support body 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the point of rotation is the center point of the top flange 303, but other embodiments may include other configurations, including those with multiple points of rotation corresponding to different support arms 107, without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.
[0028] Each support arm 107 is connected to a bracket assembly 307. Each bracket assembly 307 is configured to connect additional adapter components to the lift adapter 101, thereby advantageously maximizing the compatibility of the lift adapter 101 with various vehicle components. Additional features of the bracket assembly 307 will be discussed later. Figure 5Let's have a discussion.
[0029] Figure 4 This is a close-up view of the support 105, showing additional features related to the rotational positioning of the support arms 107. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation point 407 is more clearly visible, and each support arm 107 extends outward from the rotation point 407, with the entire length of the support arm moving along the rotation direction 110.
[0030] The desired rotational position of the support arm 107 can be locked in place using a retaining mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining mechanism includes a locking insert 409 that engages with the support body 105 to prevent any additional rotational movement about the rotation point 407. The locking insert 409 can be removed by the user at any time to restore rotational movement, but when inserted, it engages with one of a set of retaining teeth 411. In the illustrated embodiment, the support body 105 includes a set of retaining teeth 411 sufficient to provide full range of movement between the support arms 107, wherein the support arms form a parallel structure with respect to the other support arms 107 (e.g., see...). Figure 2 ), until a right-angled structure is formed (such as Figure 4 (As shown). In the illustrated embodiment, retaining teeth 411 are disposed on the top flange 303, but other embodiments may include different placements, different numbers of retaining teeth, or different configurations for the retaining mechanism without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments may omit the retaining mechanism without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.
[0031] Figure 5 This is a close-up view of a bracket assembly 321 detachably connected to a support arm 107. The bracket assembly 321 includes a plurality of clamps 501, a plurality of bracket retainers 503, and a fastener 505. The clamps 501 engage with the support arm 107, thereby allowing the bracket assembly 321 to be positioned at a specific location relative to the length of the support arm 107. The relative position of the bracket assembly 321 is locked by the bracket retainers 503. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket retainer 503 includes a threaded nut adapted to engage with the fastener 505, thereby generating a compressive force to secure the clamps 501 in place; however, other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In this embodiment, the fastener 505 includes a threaded bolt that advantageously provides threads to engage with the bracket retainer 503 and may also engage with an additional interface adapter (see [link to documentation]). Figure 6 Other embodiments may include other fastener types without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.
[0032] Fastener 505 engages with an interface adapter for direct connection to a lift (e.g., lift 100; see also) during automotive servicing. Figure 1The components supported by the interface adapter engage. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface adapter can be threaded onto the fastener 505 or connected and locked into the removable connector via a locking pin 521. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 505 also includes a locking groove 523 to receive the locking pin 521 while maintaining connection with the interface adapter.
[0033] Figure 6 Schematic diagrams are provided for various configurations of interface adapters for engaging different types of vehicle components. The interface adapter types shown include: arc-shaped saddle 601, V-shaped saddle 603, foam block adapter 605, U-shaped saddle 607, four-prong bracket 609, protrusion adapter 611, tapered adapter 613, and retractable bridging member 615. Other embodiments may include other interface adapter types without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.
[0034] The arc-shaped saddle 601, V-shaped saddle 603, U-shaped saddle 607, and four-plate bracket 609 primarily engage with vehicle components by providing a placement surface for the component and offering additional geometry to provide a simple geometry for the safety of the additional engagement. Furthermore, the four-plate bracket 609 comprises four tabs that can be inserted into slots or other gaps in the vehicle component, which are adapted to accommodate one or more of the four tabs of the four-plate bracket 609. Additional features of other interface adapter types will be discussed in more detail below.
[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the retractable bridging connector 615. The retractable bridging connector 615 is unique among the interface adapters shown because it has two mounting bases 701, thus allowing it to be positioned with two different support arms 107 (see [reference]). Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 Two separate retainers 505 on ) (see Figure 5 The most stable connection is achieved during engagement. To accommodate various placements of the support arm 107, the telescopic bridge is extendable and retractable along its length 703 between its mounting bases 701. In the illustrated embodiment, this telescopicity is achieved using a sliding mechanism of the body 705 of the telescopic bridge 615, and its length can be securely held and locked using a telescopic pin 707. The telescopic bridge 615 also includes a series of linearly arranged pin holes 709 adapted to receive the telescopic pin 707 and secure the telescopic bridge 615 to the desired length during use. The telescopic pin 707 can be removed from its associated pin hole 709 at any time when the telescopic bridge 615 is not under load, thereby allowing the length to be readjusted along direction 703 for new configurations of the lift adapter 101 (e.g., see...). Figure 1 ).
[0036] The retractable bridging connector 615 is also unique among the interface adapters shown, as the pin hole 709 is sufficient to receive and secure additional interface adapters, advantageously providing maximum flexibility in the selection and operation of the lift adapter 101 for a variety of vehicle components.
[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the tab adapter 611. The tab adapter 611 is unique among the interface adapters shown because it not only includes tabs 811 that fit into slots and gaps for inserting appropriately sized components, but also holes 813 configured to receive additional fasteners, such as pins, bolts, screws, or other fasteners used with vehicle components. These additional fasteners provide maximum secure engagement between the tab adapter 611 and compatible vehicle components.
[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the tapered adapter 613. The tapered adapter 913 includes a tapered extension 913 that provides stable engagement with circular ports of various sizes. Due to the tapered shape of the tapered extension 913, vehicle components with various mounting points with circular grooves can be advantageously and securely engaged with a single adapter type.
[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a foam block adapter 605. The foam block adapter 605 is unique among interface adapters because it includes a foam extension 1005, which is an elastomeric material that elastically deforms in direction 1009 when subjected to a load in direction 1011, for example, when receiving a load from a vehicle component. Furthermore, the foam extension 1005 provides a soft material to support the vehicle component, advantageously providing a surface that will not scratch, damage, or harm delicate surface materials (e.g., ceramic or plastic) and will not scratch or otherwise damage material surfaces with decorative or aesthetic features (e.g., windshields, shiny chrome components, etc.). When not under load, the foam extension 1005 returns to its initial shape and size through elastic rebound. In the illustrated embodiment, the foam extension 1005 comprises a rectangular prism, but other embodiments may include any suitable shape or size for the foam block adapter 605 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In some such embodiments, the foam extension 1005 may include concave geometry, convex geometry, conical geometry, cylindrical geometry, circular geometry, pyramidal geometry, triangular geometry, regular polygonal geometry, regular polyhedral geometry, irregular polygonal geometry, or irregular polyhedral geometry without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.
[0040] Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of a lifting device comprising a VC lift 100 and a lift adapter 101 for supporting vehicle components in the form of an electric drive 1100. In this illustrated embodiment, the VC lift 100 is a heavy-duty truss lift; however, other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein, provided that the VC lift 100 includes a support surface 102 adapted to engage with a bottom flange 103 of the lift adapter 101.
[0041] This figure specifically illustrates how multiple adapter interfaces can be used with other adapter interfaces. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of retractable bridges 615 engage with a bracket assembly 321, while a second pair of interface adapters, in the form of an arcuate saddle 601, engages with the retractable bridges 615. In this embodiment, each retractable bridge 615 engages with one of the arcuate saddles 601, but other embodiments may include different configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.
[0042] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a lifting device comprising a VC lift 100 and a lift adapter 101 for supporting vehicle components in the form of a vehicle subframe 1200. In this illustrated embodiment, the VC lift 100 is a heavy-duty truss lift; however, other embodiments may include different configurations without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, provided that the VC lift 100 includes a support surface 102 adapted to engage with a bottom flange 103 of the lift adapter 101.
[0043] The figure utilizes a variety of interface adapters, including tab adapter 611 and tapered adapter 613. Figure 13 Close-up images show more details of how the interface adapter engages and secures with the vehicle subframe 1200. Figure 13 As can be seen, each tab adapter 611 not only inserts into the compatible slot 1301, but also uses the hole 813 (not shown; see below). Figure 8 Both the sockets of the vehicle subframe 1200 and the vehicle subframe 1200 are secured by compatible fasteners 1303 in their engagement. This advantageously provides a very strong engagement during the support of the vehicle subframe 1200.
[0044] Furthermore, it can be observed that each tapered adapter 613 engages with the vehicle subframe 1200, but is inserted into the existing mounting holes 1305 of the subframe geometry. This advantageously provides a robust support engagement while utilizing the pre-existing geometry of the vehicle subframe 1200 during the support of the vehicle subframe 1200.
[0045] Without departing from the teachings disclosed herein, additional configurations of the elevator adapter 101 (see [link to document]) Figures 1-4 and Figures 11-12 It can be used in different combinations with interface adapters (see...) Figure 6 Different numbers of interface adapters or different interface adapter configurations can be used together. The diversity of interface adapter types and the positionability of the support arm 107 (see...) Figures 1-4 This advantageously maximizes the compatibility of the lift adapter 101 with the widest range of vehicle components for engagement and support.
[0046] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the disclosed apparatus and methods. Rather, the language used herein is descriptive rather than limiting, and it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure. Features of various embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the disclosed concepts.
Claims
1. A lift adapter, comprising: Bottom flange; Support body connected to the bottom flange; Support arms extending from the support body; A bracket assembly that can be detachably connected to the support arm; as well as Interface adapters that connect with vehicle components. in The support arm includes a proximal end connected to the support body and a distal end opposite to the proximal end. The support body adjusts the rotational position of the support arm relative to the rotation point of the support body, and The bracket assembly includes fasteners that engage with the interface adapter.
2. The elevator adapter according to claim 1, wherein the support body further includes a retaining mechanism that retains the rotational position of the support arm relative to the rotation point during engagement.
3. The elevator adapter according to claim 1, wherein the support arm is a first support arm among a plurality of support arms, and wherein the bracket assembly is a first bracket assembly among a plurality of bracket assemblies.
4. The elevator adapter according to claim 3, wherein the support further includes a retaining mechanism that retains the rotational position of the support arm relative to the rotation point during engagement.
5. The lift adapter of claim 3, wherein the interface adapter includes a retractable bridge spanning between fasteners of two support assemblies, each of the two support assemblies being detachably connected to one of the support arms.
6. The elevator adapter of claim 5, wherein the retractable bridge is a first interface adapter having a first configuration, and the retractable bridge is detachably connected to a second interface adapter having a second configuration different from the first configuration.
7. The elevator adapter according to claim 6, wherein the second interface adapter includes a V-shaped saddle, a U-shaped saddle, a four-plate bracket, an arc-shaped saddle, a plate adapter, a conical adapter, or a foam block.
8. The elevator adapter according to claim 1, wherein the support arm is the first of four support arms, each support arm including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the support body adjusts the rotational position of the support arm relative to the rotation point of the support body.
9. The elevator adapter of claim 8, wherein the support further comprises a retaining mechanism that retains the rotational position of the support arm relative to the rotation point during engagement.
10. The elevator adapter according to claim 8, wherein, The interface adapter is a first interface adapter among a plurality of interface adapters, the plurality of interface adapters including: a first interface adapter including a first retractable bridge spanning between two support arms; a second interface adapter including a second retractable bridge spanning between the two support arms; a third interface adapter detachably connected to the first retractable bridge and having a second configuration different from the first configuration; and a fourth interface adapter detachably connected to the second retractable bridge and having a third configuration different from the first configuration.
11. The elevator adapter according to claim 10, wherein the third interface adapter includes a V-shaped saddle, a U-shaped saddle, a four-plate bracket, an arc-shaped saddle, a plate adapter, a conical adapter, or a foam block.
12. The elevator adapter according to claim 11, wherein the fourth interface adapter includes a V-shaped saddle, a U-shaped saddle, a four-plate bracket, an arc-shaped saddle, a plate adapter, a conical adapter, or a foam block.
13. The elevator adapter according to claim 1, wherein the interface adapter includes a retractable bridge, a V-shaped saddle, a U-shaped saddle, a four-plate bracket, an arc-shaped saddle, a plate adapter, a conical adapter, or a foam block.
14. The lift adapter of claim 13, wherein the interface adapter includes a tab adapter defining a hole through which the tab adapter receives a fastener to connect the tab adapter to a vehicle component.
15. The elevator adapter of claim 13, wherein the interface adapter comprises a foam block that elastically deforms under the load of the vehicle component.
16. The lift adapter of claim 1, wherein the support assembly includes a support retainer that, when engaged, holds the support assembly in place relative to the support arm.
17. The elevator adapter of claim 16, wherein the bracket retainer engages with a threaded bolt.
18. A lifting device, comprising: Vehicle component lift with a supporting surface; as well as Elevator adapter, the elevator adapter having The bottom flange connects to the support surface; Support body connected to the bottom flange; Support arms extending from the support body; A bracket assembly that can be detachably connected to the support arm; as well as Interface adapters that connect with vehicle components. in The support arm includes a proximal end connected to the support body and a distal end opposite to the proximal end. The support body adjusts the rotational position of the support arm relative to the rotation point of the support body, and The bracket assembly includes fasteners that engage with the interface adapter.
19. A lifting device, comprising: Vehicle component lift with a supporting surface; as well as Elevator adapter, the elevator adapter having The bottom flange connects to the support surface; Support body connected to the bottom flange; Multiple four-arm support extending from the support body; Multiple four-bracket assemblies, each bracket assembly being detachably connected to one of the support arms; as well as Multiple interface adapters, each interface adapter engaging with a vehicle component. in Each support arm includes a proximal end connected to the support body and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The support adjusts the rotational position of each support arm relative to the rotation point of the support, and Each bracket assembly includes a fastener, and each fastener engages with one of the interface adapters.
20. The lifting device of claim 19, wherein each interface adapter includes a retractable bridge, a V-shaped saddle, a U-shaped saddle, a four-plate bracket, an arc-shaped saddle, a plate adapter, a conical adapter, or a foam block.