Dual-Purpose Mechanics Creeper With Pivotal Swing Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanics creepers are limited to either horizontal flat or vertical standing configurations, preventing their integrated use for various vehicle repair tasks.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose mechanics creeper design featuring a flat board with pivotal connecting bases and swing arms with rollers, allowing the creeper to transition between horizontal and vertical states for versatile use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanics creeper is designed as a horizontal flat type, then it allows easy movement on the floor, but it cannot be used for vertical standing repair tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The creeper incorporates swing arms that can pivot between a first position (adjacent to the flat board) and a second position (away from the flat board), transforming the structure from a static horizontal configuration to a dynamic system that adapts between horizontal and vertical states. This dynamic transformation allows the same device to serve both horizontal floor movement and vertical standing repair functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a dual-purpose mechanics creeper that integrates both horizontal flat creeper functionality and vertical standing creeper functionality into a single device. The swing arms with rollers can be positioned to enable horizontal movement on the floor, and when pivoted to the second position, they support vertical standing operations, making one device universal for multiple repair scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanics creeper is designed as a vertical standing type, then it supports repair work underneath the driver's seat, but it cannot be used for horizontal floor movement
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arms are designed to pivot between positions, enabling the creeper to dynamically switch between vertical standing configuration (for under-seat repairs) and horizontal flat configuration (for floor movement). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the device to adapt its functionality based on the repair task at hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-purpose design integrates both vertical standing capability and horizontal movement capability into a single device. The swing arms with rollers provide vertical support when needed, while the same rollers can engage with the floor to enable horizontal movement, making the device universal for both vertical and horizontal repair operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the swing arm moves to the second position for vertical standing mode, then it enables vertical repair work, but it requires additional attachment and securing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the swing arm structure with the roller assembly into an integrated unit. The swing arm itself serves as both the structural element for pivoting and the mounting structure for the rollers. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate attachment mechanisms while still enabling secure vertical standing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm design allows the structure to serve its own attachment function. The swing arm's pivot connection to the flat board and its support for the rollers creates a self-contained system where the structural elements double as attachment mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-purpose mechanics creeper includes: a flat board, a first swing arm and a second swing arm pivotally attached to a bottom surface of the flat board. Each swing arm includes a plurality of rollers. When each swing arm is at the first position, it is adjacent to the bottom surface of the flat board. When the swing arm is at the second position, it is perpendicular to the flat board. When the second swing arm is at the second position, it is attached to the first swing arm, such that the second swing arm is obliquely supported between the flat board and the first swing arm.