Automatic Vehicle Elevation System with Multi-Stage Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent occurrence of tire punctures and associated injuries due to the failure of traditional tire jacks, which are often used for lifting vehicles during repairs, poses a significant safety and efficiency concern.
Innovation Solution
An automatic vehicle elevation system powered by DC, AC, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems, utilizing multi-stage actuators and a control unit to lift vehicles effortlessly, eliminating the need for manual jacking and reducing the risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual tire jacks are used to lift vehicles, then the physical effort required is reduced compared to no jack, but the risk of jack failure and associated injuries increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical manual jack system with an automated elevation system that uses electric motors (DC or AC), pneumatic systems, or hydraulic systems to lift the vehicle. This substitution eliminates the need for manual operation while providing more reliable and controlled lifting, directly addressing both the ease of operation and reliability concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated elevation system performs the vehicle lifting function autonomously without requiring human physical effort or intervention during the lifting process. The system self-regulates the lifting operation through control units that monitor and control the actuators, ensuring safe and reliable operation while eliminating the risks associated with manual jack operation.
2Device complexity
If traditional manual jacking procedures are used, then the system complexity remains low, but the time required to change a tire increases due to manual effort and safety precautions
Solution Approach 1:
The elevation system is pre-installed on the vehicle with actuators positioned at strategic locations underneath the vehicle body. The control unit and power systems are integrated into the vehicle's existing electrical or pneumatic/hydraulic infrastructure, so that when a tire needs changing, the lifting action can immediately commence without requiring assembly or setup of external jacking equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing manual mechanical jacking with automated powered actuators, the system eliminates the time-consuming manual cranking and positioning operations. The powered actuators can lift the vehicle quickly and consistently, reducing the overall tire change time despite the added system complexity.
3Productivity
If automated elevation systems with powered actuators are used, then the speed and effort of vehicle lifting is dramatically improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elevation system is designed to perform multiple functions: lifting the vehicle for tire changes, providing under-vehicle access for maintenance, and potentially serving as a parking assist feature. The same actuators and control systems are used for various elevation tasks, justifying the complexity through multi-functionality. The system can operate in different modes (single side, both sides, different elevation levels) using the same hardware infrastructure.
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 system significantly reduces the physical effort and time required to change a tire, minimizing exposure to road hazards and potential injuries, thereby lowering insurance costs and ensuring safer tire changes.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is powered alternatively, by either of four systems: (1) DC motor system; (2) AC motor system; (3) pneumatic system; (4) hydraulic system
Implementation Method 2
The actuator is powered alternatively, by either of four systems: (1) DC motor system; (2) AC motor system; (3) pneumatic system; (4) hydraulic system
Implementation Method 3
The actuator is powered alternatively, by either of four systems: (1) DC motor system; (2) AC motor system; (3) pneumatic system; (4) hydraulic system
Implementation Method 4
The actuator is equipped with a high load universal joint, and attached thereto durable, non-skid plate. Acting in unity, the universal joint and the non-skid plate, ensures that the vehicle being elevated remains level on uneven ground
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for automatically elevating vehicles. The system is a substitute for standard, manually-operated car jacks, and jack stands. One or more systems may be installed underneath a vehicle. To lift a vehicle off the ground, the system utilizes a multi-stage actuator. The actuator may be powered, by either DC motor system, AC motor system, pneumatic system, or hydraulic system. The actuator is protected from distractive external elements by being situated inside a housing, integrating a retractable, electric door. The actuator is equipped with a high load universal joint, and attached thereto durable, non-skid plate. Acting in unity, the universal joint and the non-skid plate, ensures that the vehicle being elevated remains level on uneven ground, and during the operation of the Elevation System. The end-user may initiate the operation of the Elevation System manually via a control panel, or via a mobile application.