Adjustable Weight Support Apparatus for Limited Chassis Clearance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In automotive settings, the limited space under the chassis of high-performance vehicles often prevents the proper placement of jack stands due to the occupation by lifting devices, posing hazards to the vehicle and personnel.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable weight supporting apparatus featuring a vertical member, leg, and horizontal member with adjustable depth and length settings, allowing for flexible placement and disassembly for convenient storage, which can be used with limited clearance spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a hydraulic floor jack is used for lifting, then the lifting function is achieved, but the space under the chassis is occupied preventing jack stand placement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidspace under chassis
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The weight supporting apparatus is divided into separable components including a horizontal member, vertical member, and leg assembly that can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the system to adapt to limited spaces while maintaining lifting capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus incorporates adjustable leg depth and horizontal member positioning capabilities, enabling dynamic adaptation to different clearance requirements and space constraints under various vehicle chassis configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If jack stands are placed in designated spaces, then vehicle safety is improved, but the space is already occupied by lifting devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle safetyVSAvoiddesignated space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus extends the support structure vertically with adjustable leg depth, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve proper support positioning without requiring additional horizontal space that would conflict with lifting device placement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The horizontal member acts as an intermediary component that distributes weight and provides attachment points for vertical support members, enabling safe weight bearing in configurations that accommodate limited space under the chassis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable weight supporting apparatus is used, then adaptability to limited clearance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The leg assembly features nested components with telescoping sections that can be inserted to varying depths, allowing compact storage when not in use while providing extended reach and adjustment capability during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus incorporates adjustable parameters including leg depth, horizontal member positioning, and cuff location, enabling adaptation to different clearance requirements and vehicle types without requiring multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9080722B2Adjustable weight supporting apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2015.07.14 RENNSTAND
  • US9080722B2 patent drawing
  • US9080722B2 patent drawing
  • US9080722B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An adjustable weight supporting apparatus is provided with a horizontal member, vertical member and legs. The weight supporting apparatus may be used to support the weight of an automobile or other object. The horizontal member may be placed on a lifting device, which may be lifted to contact an object. Legs and the vertical member may be added to the horizontal member to support the weight without a lifting force, which may be temporarily fixed in place with one or more pin. The horizontal member may include an elongated portion and a cuff. Various aspects of the apparatus may be adjusted to support a desired object at a desired height and/or footprint to provide sufficient access under the object.