Floor Jack Lockout Assembly Mechanical Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floor jacks rely solely on hydraulic systems for stability when lifting heavy loads, which can be unreliable, and require additional support structures like jack stands for safety, limiting their operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly with a locking pin that mechanically secures the jack at multiple operational heights, decoupling the hydraulic system's reliance on stabilizing the load by engaging with lifting link arms and frame lock pin holes, allowing for mechanical locking without hydraulic dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hydraulic system is used to lift heavy loads, then the jack can support significant weight, but the jack lacks mechanical stability and requires additional jack stands for safety
Solution Approach 1:
A locking pin is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element that couples the lifting link arm to the frame through lock pin holes. This mediator provides direct mechanical stabilization, eliminating reliance on hydraulic systems alone and removing the need for external jack stands.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting mechanism is segmented into distinct components (frame, lifting link arm, locking pin, lock pin holes) that can be independently positioned and locked. Multiple lock pin holes at different heights allow segmentation of the lifting range into discrete stable positions, enhancing overall system reliability.
2Reliability
If jack stands are used to provide mechanical stability, then the jack gains additional support, but the operational flexibility and simplicity of the jack is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function previously requiring separate external jack stands is merged directly into the jack structure itself. The locking pin and lock pin holes integrate mechanical locking capability within the jack, eliminating the need for external support structures and simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The jack becomes self-sufficient by incorporating its own mechanical locking system. The operator can directly lock the jack at desired heights using the locking pin without requiring external jack stands, making the system self-serviceable and operationally simpler.
3Device complexity
If the hydraulic system is the only stabilizing component, then the jack structure remains simple, but the jack cannot be securely locked at multiple operational heights
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed to be dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. Multiple lock pin holes positioned at different heights along the frame allow the locking mechanism to adapt to various operational heights, providing versatility while maintaining structural simplicity through a straightforward pin-hole coupling design.
Data Source
AI summary
A floor jack locking assembly is presented. The locking assembly may include a locking pin used to mechanically lock out the jack at a specified lift height. The locking assembly may avoid the hydraulic lift cylinder being the only stabilizing component of the jack when supporting a significant load. The locking pin may be coupled to lifting link arms, avoiding the need to have the locking pin inserted into or through the lifting arm of the jack.