Electric Tongue Jack Memory Button Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric tongue jacks require manual operation to maintain the jack leg's position, which is time-consuming and inconvenient when hitching or unhitching a trailer, as users need to continuously press the retract control to manage the jack's height.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of memory buttons, specifically a first memory button to store and recall the desired hitch height and a second memory button for automatic retraction of the jack leg, controlled by a printed circuit board within the jack's motor head, allowing for hands-free operation and simplified setup and teardown processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to control the jack leg position, then the jack can be operated with simple controls, but the operation becomes time-consuming and inconvenient when hitching or unhitching a trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The memory buttons store predetermined jack leg positions in advance. When a user presses a memory button, the system recalls the pre-stored position and automatically moves the jack leg to that position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during hitching or unhitching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The jack system serves itself by automatically returning to stored positions without continuous manual control. The motor gear assembly autonomously executes the position recall function, freeing the user from standing next to the jack and continuously pressing the retract control.
2Measurement precision
If continuous manual control is used to maintain jack leg position, then the jack position can be precisely controlled, but the user must continuously press the retract control during operations
Solution Approach 1:
The memory button system provides feedback by storing the exact jack leg position and automatically returning to that position. The system monitors the jack leg movement and stops at the predetermined position, ensuring precise positioning without requiring continuous manual control.
Solution Approach 2:
The desired jack leg position is predetermined and stored in the memory button before operation. This preliminary action allows the system to automatically recall and execute the precise position without requiring continuous manual adjustment during use.
3Ease of operation
If automatic memory buttons are added to the jack system, then operation convenience is significantly improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional buttons and software control
Solution Approach 1:
The memory buttons serve multiple functions: storing positions, recalling positions, and enabling automatic retraction. This multi-functionality allows a single added component to provide comprehensive automation benefits without requiring multiple separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory button acts as an intermediary between the user and the motor gear assembly. Instead of directly controlling the motor continuously, the user interacts with the simple memory button interface, which mediates the complex motor control operations automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved electric tongue jack with one or more memory buttons to retract or extend to a predetermined desired height. A first memory button is provided to engage in a memorizing operation to store a desired actual height of the hitch. When the first memory button is subsequently engaged, the motor gear assembly is controlled to return the hitch to the desired height. A second memory button is used as an automatic retraction for the jack leg once the trailer has been set on the hitch ball/tow vehicle. Once the auto retract location has been set, the user may push the auto retract button once and the leg will automatically retract to the preset height. The memory buttons are controlled by software in a printed circuit board inside the head of the jack.