Flat Floor Jack Handle Mounting and Roller Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor jacks are heavy and difficult to handle due to side-mounted handles, which are inadequate for larger models, particularly because smaller plastic handles cannot support the weight of heavier jacks.
Innovation Solution
A flat floor jack design featuring a handle attached to side walls, a rotatably coupled lifting arm, and a hydraulic cylinder with roller bearings composed of hundreds of small spheres to distribute weight evenly, allowing for improved maneuverability and load management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the handle is mounted on the side of the jack, then the jack structure is simplified, but the jack becomes heavy and hard to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The roller bearing assembly is segmented into multiple small spheres (typically 50-200 spheres) arranged in concentric circles. This segmentation distributes the weight of the jack across many small contact points with the ground, reducing the pressure at each point and making the jack easier to maneuver despite its weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle mounting position is changed from the traditional side-mounted position to a top-mounted position. This dimensional change allows the handle to be positioned optimally for user ergonomics and control, while the side-mounted rollers provide the necessary maneuverability. The combination of top-mounted handle and side-mounted rollers creates a balanced design that addresses both operation ease and maneuverability.
2Ease of manufacture
If smaller plastic handles are used, then the handle cost is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but they cannot handle the weight of large jacks
Solution Approach 1:
The handle material parameter is changed from plastic to metal (such as aluminum or steel), and the handle diameter and length dimensions are increased to match the size of the jack. This parameter change ensures the handle has sufficient strength to support the weight of large jacks while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard metal fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight mechanism is integrated into the jack body, with adjustable counterweights that can be positioned to balance the jack's center of gravity. This counterweight system compensates for the weight of the jack, making it easier to maneuver and reducing the effective weight that the handle must support, thereby allowing the use of appropriately sized handles.
3Device complexity
If the roller bearing assembly uses a single large ball, then the structure is simpler, but the weight distribution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The roller bearing assembly is segmented into multiple small spheres arranged in concentric circles, with the number of spheres typically ranging from 50 to 200. This segmentation distributes the jack's weight across many small contact points with the ground, significantly improving weight distribution and maneuverability compared to a single large ball. Each small sphere acts as an independent load-bearing element, collectively supporting the jack's weight while allowing smooth rotation and movement.
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 enhances the maneuverability and load management capabilities of floor jacks by distributing weight across multiple small spheres, making the jacks easier to handle and use with heavier loads.
Implementation Method 1
A user can engage the handle to compress a hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic cylinder engages a linkage assembly which raises the lifting arm
Implementation Method 2
Each roller has a roller bearing assembly that has hundreds of small spheres arranged adjacent to one another such that weight from the roller is distributed among the hundreds of small spheres
Data Source
AI summary
A flat floor jack is configured to be maneuverable and manage a heavy load. The flat floor jack has a handle attached to a first side wall and a second side wall. A lifting arm is rotatably coupled to the first side wall and the second side wall. A hydraulic cylinder is joined to the first side panel and the second side panel. A first axel is arranged through the first side wall and the second side wall and attached to a first roller and a second roller. A second axel is arranged through the first side wall and the second side wall and attached to a third roller and a fourth roller. Each roller has a roller bearing assembly that has hundreds of small spheres arranged adjacent to one another such that weight from the roller is distributed among the hundreds of small spheres.