Engine Stand Mounting Head With Removable Steering Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing worm gear driven engine stands lack a removable steering handle that does not interfere with the operation of the crank handle, making it difficult to maneuver and install the mounting head on an engine.
Innovation Solution
A steering handle that can be easily removed and installed, positioned above the worm drive gear and drive shaft, with an adaptor plate and quick release detent pin system allowing for the mounting head collar to be detached from the drive shaft, enabling independent steering and mounting operations without interfering with the crank handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a steering handle is added to a worm gear driven engine stand, then maneuverability is improved, but the crank handle rotation is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The steering handle is repositioned from the traditional location to the top surface of the gear housing, utilizing the vertical dimension and top surface area. This spatial relocation allows the steering handle to operate in a different dimensional plane, eliminating interference with the crank handle while maintaining steering functionality. The gear housing top surface provides an elevated workspace that resolves the spatial conflict between steering and rotation operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mounting head is permanently attached to the drive shaft, then structural stability is improved, but the mounting head cannot be removed for engine installation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting head attachment system transitions from a permanent fixed connection to a dynamic, conditionally fixed connection. The quick release detent pin mechanism allows the mounting head to be securely attached during operation (maintaining stability) but easily detached when needed (enabling versatility). This dynamic attachment system responds to operational requirements by switching between secured and removable states.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick release detent pin is extracted as a separate, removable component that enables the mounting head to be detached from the drive shaft. By introducing this extractable element, the system gains the capability to separate the mounting head for engine installation while maintaining structural integrity when assembled. The detent pin acts as the key extraction mechanism that enables reversibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a work tray is added to the engine stand, then utility is improved, but the work tray may interfere with crank handle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The work tray is positioned on the top surface of the gear housing, utilizing the vertical dimension and elevated space. This spatial arrangement places the work tray in a higher dimensional plane, away from the crank handle's rotational path. The gear housing top surface serves as an elevated platform that accommodates the work tray without creating interference with lower-level operations.
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
Enables easier operation of the crank handle without interference, allows for secure installation and removal of the mounting head, and facilitates the use of a work tray, improving mobility and utility of the engine stand.
Implementation Method 1
a mounting head collar which is defined between a mounting head and the drive shaft, the mounting head collar further engaging a quick release detent pin for separating the mounting head and the mounting head collar from the drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
the adaptor plate defining a plurality of slots for engaging a removeable handle, the slots further adapted for engaging a removeable work tray when the handle is not present
Implementation Method 3
A worm gear driven engine stand
Data Source
AI summary
A wheeled engine stand and a process of using the engine stand is provided. The engine stand provides a wheeled base supporting a mounting head with retainers. The mounting head is reversibly attached to a drive shaft through a retaining pin extending through amounting head collar. A steering handle is detachably supported on an upper adaptor plate to allow for movement for the wheeled base.