Adjustable V-Shaped Automotive Dolly for Vehicle Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for moving immobile vehicles, such as hydraulic floor jacks and wheel dollies, face challenges like high rolling resistance, wheel set, and limited access due to bulky designs, making it difficult to support and move vehicles efficiently during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable 'V' shaped dolly with pivotally attached frame members, centrally positioned wheels, and vertically adjustable vehicle support columns, allowing for easy movement and maximum access, featuring wheels that can navigate uneven surfaces and a removable handle assembly for enhanced mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic floor jacks are used to move an immobile vehicle, then the vehicle can be raised and moved, but the rolling resistance is high and multiple jacks need to be oriented and rolled in unison
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple floor jack functions into a single dolly device that can support and move the vehicle independently, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple jacks. The dolly integrates the support structure, wheels, and vehicle contact points into one unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly is divided into functional segments including the support frame, wheel assembly, and vehicle contact points, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a integrated system.
2Ease of operation
If wheel dollies are placed under each wheel to move an immobile vehicle, then the vehicle can be moved, but wheel set occurs if used for extended period and small wheels create high rolling resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wheel size parameter from small (traditional dollies) to large diameter wheels, which reduces rolling resistance on hard surfaces and minimizes wheel set when used for extended periods. The larger wheels also better navigate uneven surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed A-shaped frame dolly is used to move an immobile vehicle, then the vehicle can be supported and moved, but the bulky shape limits access to the vehicle and requires multiple jacks
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly frame transitions from a fixed A-shaped structure to a dynamic collapsible design where the leg members can pivot between extended and retracted positions. This allows the dolly to be compact for storage and transport while providing full support when in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by allowing the dolly legs to collapse vertically rather than maintaining a fixed horizontal footprint. This dimensional change reduces the overall volume occupied by the dolly when not in use.
4Volume of moving object
If small wheels are used on the dolly, then the dolly structure can be compact, but the rolling resistance is high on hard surfaces and inability to navigate uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wheel diameter parameter to a larger size that provides sufficient clearance to roll over small cracks, bricks, and other non-planar surface features while still maintaining a reasonable overall dolly size through the collapsible frame design.
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
The dolly provides a stable and accessible platform for supporting and moving vehicles, reducing the need for multiple jacks and minimizing wheel set issues, while allowing easy navigation over various terrain and facilitating efficient vehicle servicing.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second pivotal frame members are rotationally positionable such that a distance between the distal end of the first pivotal frame member and the distal end of the second pivotal frame member may be adjusted
Implementation Method 2
a diameter of the central and distal wheels is sufficient to roll on a hard surface, including an ability to easily roll over small cracks and imperfections or non-planar features that may occur in a ground surface
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile and adjustable dolly having an adjustable “V” shaped dolly frame. The dolly frame comprises first and second pivotal frame members rotationally coupled to a central support frame member forming a “V” shape. The central support frame member comprises a series of angle maintaining features for securing each frame member at any of a plurality of angled configurations. A distal caster, having a wheel rotation disposed therewith, is assembled to a distal end of each frame member and a central caster is assembled to a pivotal region of the dolly frame. A vehicle support subassembly is disposed upon and extends upward from the each respective frame member. An elongated handle assembly extends from the central caster. The elongated handle assembly further comprises a wheel chock, which removably engages with the central wheel when subjected to the weight of the elongated handle assembly.