Detachable Fuel Unit Support Frame for Mobile Lift Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile lift tables face challenges in accommodating fuel units of varying sizes and weights, making it difficult to remove, transport, and re-engage them safely and efficiently, especially when accessing hard-to-reach vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A detachable support structure with an adjustable engagement frame assembly and retractable leg assembly that selectively couples and decouples with a lift table, allowing for easy removal, transportation, and re-engagement of fuel units, providing structural support and access to vehicle components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile lift table is used to support and transport fuel units, then the fuel unit can be easily moved and positioned, but the lift table cannot accommodate fuel units of varying sizes and weights effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates adjustable components including extendable arms with telescopic sections and height-adjustable support legs. These dynamic elements allow the rigid support structure to adapt its dimensions and configuration to accommodate fuel units of different sizes and weights, resolving the contradiction between structural rigidity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into modular components including a base, extendable arms, support legs, and retaining members that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while collectively providing versatile accommodation for various fuel unit configurations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support structure is rigid to provide stable support, then the fuel unit is securely held, but the structure cannot be easily adjusted for different fuel unit configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses extendable arms with telescopic sections and height-adjustable legs that can be modified for different fuel unit sizes. These dynamic adjustment mechanisms allow the rigid support structure to adapt its dimensions while maintaining stability during operation, balancing rigidity with adjustability.
3Device complexity
If manual handling is required for fuel unit removal and installation, then no additional equipment is needed, but technicians face difficulty accessing hard-to-reach vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile lift table with support structure serves as an intermediary device between the fuel unit and the ground. It provides elevated support and positioning that enables technicians to access hard-to-reach vehicle components during fuel unit removal and installation, while remaining mobile and relatively simple in design.
4Reliability
If the support structure remains attached to the lift table continuously, then the fuel unit is always supported, but the lift table cannot be used for other purposes after fuel unit removal
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as a detachable assembly that can be separated from the lift table. This segmentation allows the support structure to remain attached during fuel unit handling for reliable support, then be removed to free the lift table for other purposes, while the support structure can independently support the fuel unit during transfer operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of use for supporting a fuel unit. The method includes attaching a support structure having a plurality of legs on a tabletop assembly of a mobile lift table and positioning the support structure under an elevated vehicle having a fuel unit. The method includes removing the fuel unit from the elevated vehicle such that the support structure operatively supports the fuel unit. The method includes moving the fuel unit away from the elevated vehicle and actuating the plurality of legs from a retracted position to an extended downward position. The method further includes lowering the tabletop assembly which carries the support structure with the fuel unit such that the plurality of legs engages a floor. The method further includes detaching and removing the support structure from the tabletop assembly such that the tabletop assembly is no longer supporting the support structure of the fuel unit.