Vehicle Cam Jack Pivot Socket for Secure Axle Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cam jacks often suffer from issues such as loose fit around the axle, misalignment, and over-rotation, leading to potential slipping, disengagement, and unsafe conditions, especially on uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle cam jack design with a pivot socket and arcuate edge member, featuring a stabilizing plate and bracing members, which ensures secure engagement and limits over-rotation, providing stability and safety during lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pivot attachment fits loosely around the axle, then the cam jack can be easily installed, but the cam jack may slip out or become misaligned during use
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot attachment features a tapered configuration that provides different characteristics at different locations: the narrower end allows easy insertion while the wider end provides secure retention and alignment. This local variation in geometry resolves the contradiction between ease of installation and engagement security.
2Volume of moving object
If the cam jack is designed to be compact and planar, then it can be stored conveniently, but it may not provide sufficient lifting height for all vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The cam jack transitions from a compact planar state for storage to an extended arched configuration during use. The flexible or hinged design allows the structure to dynamically change shape, providing sufficient lifting height when deployed while maintaining a compact form for storage.
3Ease of operation
If the arcuate support member has a long radius of curvature, then it provides smooth rolling motion, but it increases the overall size of the cam jack
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate support member is designed with a radius of curvature that allows it to nest within the boundaries defined by the pivot attachment and contact surface when in the planar configuration. This nesting arrangement maintains compact overall dimensions while preserving the smooth rolling characteristics during operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the cam jack allows free rotation, then it can adapt to different ground conditions, but it may over-rotate and tip over beyond the optimal lifting position
Solution Approach 1:
The cam jack incorporates a stop feature that prevents over-rotation by making contact with the vehicle body or frame at the optimal lifting position. This preliminary constraint counteracts the tendency to over-rotate, maintaining stability while still allowing sufficient rotation to adapt to ground conditions.
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 design allows for quick, safe, and secure lifting of vehicle axles, even on uneven terrain, with features to prevent over-rotation and enhance stability, ensuring safe operation and convenient storage.
Implementation Method 1
The arcuate support member defines an arcuate rolling surface, such as for example a spiral shape or a series of segmented surfaces defining an oblong shape, such that when the axle of the vehicle is engaged by the pivot attachment at one end of the cam jack and the vehicle is rolled toward the opposite end of the cam jack, rotation of the cam jack beneath the vehicle results in the cam jack lifting the engaged axle
Implementation Method 2
The pivot socket is sized, shaped, and configured to receive an axle of a vehicle rotatably therein and to maintain the axle in an orientation perpendicular to the arcuate outer edge of the frame
Implementation Method 3
The support post is positioned to extend beneath the pivot socket when the jack is in the second orientation, allowing the support post to rest on a portion of the arcuate outer edge adjacent the second end of the support post
Data Source
AI summary
A jack comprises a planar frame having a support post and an arcuate edge member. A pivot socket is provided at a first end of the support post that is sized to receive and engage an axle portion of a vehicle. The arcuate edge member has a first end extending along the pivot socket, a second end adjacent a second end of the support post, and an outer arcuate edge extending outwardly between the first and second ends of the support post. The outer arcuate edge defines a radius of curvature greater than a length dimension of the support post. Thus, the jack is positionable between a first orientation to allow the pivot socket to receive and engage an axle of a vehicle and a second orientation to allow the support post to lift the axle.