Floor Jack Frame With Adjustable Collars For Variable Lifting Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional floor jacks are limited in the maximum height they can lift objects, typically not exceeding 30 inches without additional extensions, which restricts their versatility and application in various lifting tasks.
Innovation Solution
A floor jack frame design featuring arched side plates, hubs with four-bolt flange bearings, axles, and teardrop-shaped adjustable collars that allow for adjustable elevation of the lifting pad, enabling it to be raised up to 40 inches without additional extensions, and includes tire-wheel assemblies for mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional floor jack frame structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but lifting height is limited to about 30 inches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the shaft collars adjustable rather than fixed. The teardrop-shaped adjustable shaft collars can pivot between upper and lower positions, allowing the lifting height to be dynamically adjusted between 15 inches and 40 inches. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling height variability without requiring multiple fixed-frame configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frame structure into modular components including adjustable shaft collars, arched side plates, hubs, and axles. The shaft collars are separated as independent adjustable elements that can be positioned at different heights, allowing the lifting height to be changed without redesigning the entire frame structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed shaft collars are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability of lifting height is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The teardrop-shaped adjustable shaft collars are designed to pivot dynamically between upper and lower positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the lifting height to be adjusted from 15 inches to 40 inches, providing adaptability for different lifting tasks while using a relatively simple pivoting action rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of shaft collar position from fixed to adjustable. The teardrop-shaped collars can be positioned at different heights along the axle, changing the lifting height parameter to match different operational requirements. This parameter change approach allows height adaptability without requiring multiple different collar designs.
3Length of stationary object
If larger diameter wheels are used, then lifting pad elevation is increased, but minimum elevation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable shaft collars work in conjunction with the wheel assembly to dynamically adjust the lifting pad elevation. By combining the adjustable collars with appropriately sized wheels, the system can achieve both higher maximum elevation and maintain lower minimum elevation capabilities, expanding the overall elevation range flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal wheel and collar assembly that can serve multiple elevation requirements. The same basic wheel-collar configuration can accommodate different lifting heights by adjusting collar position, making the system multi-functional for various elevation tasks without requiring separate specialized assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A floor jack and a frame therefor including a pair of arched side plates, hubs, axles, and spreader bars are provided. A first pair and a second pair of hubs are positioned at front ends and rear ends of the arched side plates respectively. A first axle and a second axle connect the arched side plates to the first pair and the second pair of hubs at the front ends and the rear ends of the arched side plates, respectively, using pairs of adjustable collars that pivot between lower and upper positions. The spreader bars separate the arched side plates along their length. The frame is configured for use in a conventional jack or in a mega jack to provide increased elevation by fixing the axles to the lower or upper positions of the adjustable collars. A frame is also provided for a fixed height floor jack including non-adjustable collars.