Battery-Powered Service Jack Eliminating Tripping Hazards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Professional vehicle repair and maintenance facilities face challenges with existing service jacks, including the need for manual operation, large size, and safety hazards due to air lines and battery replacement requirements, which hinder convenience and safety.
Innovation Solution
Development of compact, portable, rechargeable, battery-operated electro-mechanical and electro-hydraulic service jacks that eliminate manual operation, air lines, and battery replacement hazards by using electro-hydraulic pumps and electric motors with accessible batteries and controls, allowing for safe and convenient use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pneumatic service jacks use pressurized air to activate hydraulic systems, then physical force required to operate is reduced, but air-lines become tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the air-line component from the system by switching to a battery-operated electric motor. The electric motor directly drives the screw mechanism without requiring external air supply lines, thereby eliminating the tripping hazard while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the pneumatic-hydraulic system with an electric motor directly driving a screw mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for air-lines and hydraulic fluid, reducing tripping hazards while providing sufficient torque through direct electric drive.
2Power
If battery-operated jacks use large motors and transfer cases to provide sufficient torque, then lifting capability is achieved, but jack size increases and maneuverability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces large electric motors with transfer cases with a compact electric motor directly coupled to a screw mechanism. The screw mechanism provides mechanical advantage through its thread geometry, allowing sufficient torque generation from a small motor, thereby reducing overall jack size while maintaining lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw mechanism converts continuous rotational motion from the motor into periodic linear motion of the lift arm. This periodic action through the screw threads amplifies the torque output, allowing a small motor to generate sufficient lifting force without requiring large transfer cases.
3Device complexity
If battery-operated jacks have operating switches on lift arms, then control is integrated, but technicians must enter under vehicles to activate switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control device as an intermediary between the operator and the jack controls. The remote control transmits signals wirelessly to operate the jack, allowing technicians to control the lift arm and saddle from outside the vehicle, eliminating the need to enter under the vehicle while maintaining integrated control functionality.
4Force
If manual service jacks use handles for actuation, then mechanical advantage is provided, but continuous physical force from operator is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual handle actuation system with an electric motor-driven screw mechanism. The electric motor provides continuous force without requiring operator input, while the screw mechanism maintains mechanical advantage to generate sufficient lifting force. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous physical force from the operator.
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 solution provides a safer, more convenient, and space-efficient lifting solution that reduces operator effort and eliminates tripping hazards, enabling easier handling and operation of service jacks without the need for manual force or air lines.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-hydraulic pump disposed proximate the frame, the electro-hydraulic pump in electrical communication with the battery; and a hydraulic cylinder connected to the lift arm and being in hydraulic communication with the electro-hydraulic pump, wherein, when the control switch is activated, the battery powers the electro-hydraulic pump, the powered electro-hydraulic pump thereby charging the hydraulic cylinder to cause the lift arm to raise or lower the saddle
Implementation Method 2
a battery disposed proximate the distal end of the handle; a control switch in electrical communication with the battery
Data Source
AI summary
Shop floor service equipment includes a battery and a control panel for electro-mechanically or electro-hydraulically controlling lifting mechanisms to raise and lower a vehicle or parts of vehicles for servicing without exposure to an undercarriage of the vehicle to replace the battery or to operate the control panel.