Adjustable V-Shaped Automotive Dolly for Vehicle Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for moving immobile vehicles, such as hydraulic floor jacks and wheel dollies, face challenges like high rolling resistance, wheel set issues, 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 connected frame members, central and distal wheels, and vertically adjustable vehicle support columns, allowing for easy positioning and movement while maximizing access, along with optional automation features like drive systems and jack height adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic floor jacks are used to move a vehicle, then the vehicle can be lifted and moved, but the rolling resistance is high and moving becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle moving system is segmented into multiple independent dollies (typically three) that can be positioned under different wheels. Each dolly operates independently with its own wheel and jack mechanism, allowing them to be rolled into position separately rather than moving the entire vehicle at once, thereby reducing the force required.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly design transitions from ground-level operation to elevated support by using a jack mechanism that lifts the vehicle body off the ground. The dolly wheels contact the ground while the vehicle rests on elevated support arms, creating a dimensional separation that reduces friction and rolling resistance.
2Ease of operation
If wheel dollies are used to move a vehicle, then the vehicle can be moved, but wheel set occurs when used for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large dolly under each wheel, the system segments the support function across multiple dollies positioned under different wheels. This distributes the vehicle weight and allows the vehicle to rest on multiple contact points rather than having wheels forced into a fixed position by a single dolly.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly design incorporates adjustable support arms that can be positioned at different heights and angles. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the support points to adapt to the vehicle's suspension geometry, preventing the wheels from being forced into an incorrect alignment position during extended support periods.
3Reliability
If an A-shaped frame dolly is used, then the vehicle can be supported, but the bulky shape limits access to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into multiple small, compact dollies rather than one large A-shaped frame. This allows the dollies to be positioned close to the vehicle without creating a bulky obstruction, maintaining stability through multiple contact points while preserving access to the vehicle body.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a large frame that the vehicle rests on, the design inverts the approach by having small dollies that the vehicle's weight transfers to through its own suspension and frame structures. The vehicle supports itself while being held by the dollies, rather than the dolly supporting the vehicle body directly.
4Ease of manufacture
If an A-shaped frame dolly is used, then the vehicle can be raised onto the dolly, but multiple jacks are required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is segmented across multiple dollies, each equipped with its own small jack mechanism. This allows each dolly to be independently positioned and lifted, eliminating the need for multiple large jacks coordinated together. The segmentation of the lifting function into independent units simplifies the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each dolly is designed to be self-contained with its own jack mechanism, allowing it to independently lift and support a portion of the vehicle. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex coordination between multiple external jacks, as each dolly performs its lifting function autonomously.
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 effort required to maneuver them, even over uneven surfaces, and allows for efficient use with hydraulic floor jacks, enhancing maintenance accessibility.
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, the first and second pivotal frame members being pivotally coupled to the central frame support member at the pivotal ends thereof
Implementation Method 2
a central wheel being assembled to said central frame support plate; a pair of distal wheels, each wheel being assembled to said distal end of each pivotal frame member, respectively
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.