Foldable Engine Service Platform with Adjustable Pads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanics face discomfort and safety issues when servicing vehicle engines due to the need to lean over, which puts strain on their back, legs, and knees, and existing solutions are either uncomfortable or bulky and difficult to store.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base, spine, post, knee pad, and chest pad that allows adjustable height and comfortable working positions, featuring a foldable design for compact storage, including wheels for easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanic uses a traditional ladder or leans over the fender to service the engine, then access to the engine is achieved, but the mechanic experiences undue stress on the back, legs, and knees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (engine service platform) between the mechanic and the ground/vehicle. This platform provides elevated support with a work surface, chest rest, and knee rest, allowing the mechanic to service the engine without direct contact with the ground or leaning over the fender, thereby eliminating strain on the back, legs, and knees.
2Ease of operation
If a device with steps and chest pad is used to elevate the user, then access to the engine is improved, but the knees of the user become irritated after extended use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a padded knee rest as an integral part of the engine service platform. This knee rest is positioned to support the user's knees before any irritation can occur, distributing pressure and preventing the kind of knee irritation that results from resting knees on hard steps or the ground during extended service tasks.
3Ease of operation
If prior art devices are designed to provide comfort features, then user comfort is improved, but the devices become bulky and take up significant space when stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the engine service platform into collapsible side rails and foldable work surface panels. These segmented components can be disassembled and folded into a compact configuration for storage, reducing the volume from an extended working platform to a compact stored state, while maintaining all comfort features including chest rest and knee rest.
4Volume of moving object
If a foldable design is used to reduce storage space, then compact storage is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating telescoping side rails with locking mechanisms and foldable work surface panels. These dynamic elements allow the platform to transition between an extended working configuration and a compact stored configuration. The locking mechanisms ensure stability during use, while the foldable design enables compact storage, balancing complexity with functional benefit.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus which enables a person to comfortable work on the engine of a vehicle includes base, spine, post, knee pad, and chest pad components. The spine component is pivotally connected to the base component. A brace prevents the pivoting movement but is removably connected between the spine and the base to allow pivoting when desired. The spine component carries the tube component at a selected height, and the tube component carries the knee pad component at a selected position. The tube component carries the chest pad component.