Integrated Sliding Jack Stand for Aerator Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for servicing large, self-propelled drum-type aerators, such as lubricating chain drives and replacing tines, are inconvenient and time-consuming, often requiring the machine to be moved or supported with blocks, which can be impractical and lead to suboptimal maintenance schedules due to space and mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
An integrated jack stand system with a slidable, L-shaped design that allows the aerator to be raised and lowered, enabling access to the chain and tines without moving the machine, by transitioning between a deployed position where the support portion is below the wheels and a stowed position above the wheels, facilitating maintenance while minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the aerator is supported on blocks to prevent travel during service, then access to chain and tines is improved, but convenience and portability deteriorate due to blocks being lost or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The jack stand is merged with the aerator chassis to form an integrated support system. The jack stand includes an extended portion mounted to the chassis and a support portion that can be positioned below the drive wheels, combining the support function directly into the aerator structure rather than using separate external blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The jack stand is designed to be slidable relative to the chassis along a longitudinal axis, allowing it to dynamically transition between a deployed position (support portion below wheels for servicing) and a stowed position (support portion above wheels for transport). This dynamic positioning enables the system to adapt between service and travel modes.
2Reliability
If the aerator is moved forward or backward to service different sections of the chain, then complete chain service is achieved, but maintenance time increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The jack stand is pre-positioned at the rear of the aerator chassis and is designed to slide forward as needed. This preliminary positioning and the sliding mechanism allow the support portion to reach any location along the chain drive path, enabling complete chain servicing without moving the entire aerator machine.
3Ease of operation
If the jack stand is made slidable for easy deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The jack stand utilizes controlled dynamics with a sliding mechanism that allows movement during deployment but provides stable positioning when in use. The sliding capability along the longitudinal axis enables easy deployment while the ability to lock or rest in specific positions maintains structural stability during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a chassis, a pair of wheels rotatably mounted to the chassis, and a jack stand having an extended portion and a support portion. The extended portion has a longitudinal axis. The support portion is located at a longitudinal end of the extend portion. The jack stand is arranged on the chassis to be slidable with respect to the chassis in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis for movement between a deployed position, wherein the support portion is located vertically below a bottom surface of each wheel, and a stowed position, wherein the support portion of the jack stand is located vertically above the bottom surface of each wheel.