Frame-Mounted Engine Support With Adjustable Jacks for Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle engine servicing and tuning processes require improved access to different engine portions, necessitating a mechanical device to support and elevate the engine relative to the vehicle frame.
Innovation Solution
A frame-mounted engine support system with a frame mount, slidably mounted arms, and jack assemblies, including collars and jack rods with ball mounts, to securely engage and lift the engine block relative to the vehicle frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical device is used to support and elevate the engine, then access to engine parts is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple independent components: a frame mount with elongated body, separate first and second arms that slide on the body, and first and second jack assemblies that are independently adjustable. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system flexibility and ease of operation for engine access.
Solution Approach 2:
The arms are designed to slide along the elongated body, and the jack assemblies can be independently adjusted along their respective arms. This dynamic configuration allows the support system to adapt to different engine positions and access requirements, providing versatility without requiring a completely new device for each scenario.
2Productivity
If the engine is elevated relative to the vehicle frame, then servicing efficiency is improved, but the requirement for precise positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding arms and adjustable jack assemblies enable continuous positioning adjustments, allowing the engine to be elevated to various heights and positions. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures precise positioning can be achieved while maintaining high servicing efficiency through rapid height changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows independent adjustment of the jack assemblies along the arms, and the arms themselves can slide along the elongated body. This multi-parameter adjustment capability provides fine control over engine position and elevation, achieving precise positioning requirements while maintaining productivity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple arms and jack assemblies are used to support the engine, then engine stability is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system uses multiple segmented components (frame mount, two arms, two jack assemblies) that work together to provide stable engine support. Each component is relatively simple in design, but their coordinated arrangement creates overall stability while keeping individual component complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The arms are combined with the elongated body through a sliding mechanism, and the jack assemblies are integrated with the arms. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate mounting structures and connection hardware, providing stable support with a coordinated system rather than numerous independent components.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to an engine support system and method. The engine support system includes a frame mounted engine support and at least one engine mounted coupler. The engine support includes a frame mount with an elongated body and opposing arms slidably disposed on the elongated boy for releasably engaging a frame of a vehicle, and at least one jack assembly. Each jack assembly includes a collar coupled to and horizontally movable along the elongated body, and a jack rod coupled to and vertically movable relative to the collar. The jack rod includes a ball mount configured to insert into the coupler at an underside of an engine block of the vehicle. Each jack assembly is configured to support and/or lift the engine block relative to the vehicle frame by vertical movement of the ball mount into the coupler and relative to the frame mount engaged with the vehicle frame.