Integrated Tire Carrier Jack for SUVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sport utility vehicles face challenges in handling and storing large, heavy spare tires due to the bulkiness and expense of existing tire carriers and jacks, which are aesthetically unappealing when stored vertically.
Innovation Solution
A tire carrier system that integrates a jack with a ratcheting mechanism, allowing for the external mounting of a spare tire on a vehicle's lift gate or rear door, providing a compact storage solution and aesthetic improvement by orienting the jack horizontally when not in use, while enabling dual-purpose functionality for tire handling and vehicle lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional vertical jack storage configuration is used, then the jack is easily accessible, but the aesthetic appeal deteriorates and the storage space efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the jack from a vertical storage orientation to a horizontal orientation, changing the dimensional arrangement. The jack is stored horizontally within the tire carrier assembly, extending laterally between the tire carrier arms rather than vertically downward, which improves aesthetics while maintaining accessibility through the same operational mechanism
2Ease of manufacture
If a separate jack and tire carrier system is used, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall device complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the jack and tire carrier into a single integrated assembly where the jack is structurally incorporated into the tire carrier frame. The jack beam is positioned and supported by the tire carrier arms, and both components share common mounting points and structural elements, reducing overall complexity while maintaining independent optimization capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions: the tire carrier holds and positions the spare tire, the jack provides lifting capability, and the combined structure acts as a unified mounting assembly that can be installed as a single unit. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining design flexibility
3Ease of operation
If a bulky tire carrier system is used to handle large spare tires, then the tire handling capability is sufficient, but the storage space requirement and visual bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The jack and tire carrier are merged into a single compact assembly where the jack components are nested within or attached to the tire carrier structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate jack mounting brackets and reduces the overall volume required for both components compared to having them as independent assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
Tire carriers for vehicles and related methods are disclosed. An example tire carrier includes a hinge to be pivotally coupled to a vehicle. A support arm has a first end to be pivotally coupled to the hinge and a second end to receive a tire. A jack including a beam and running gear. The beam to be pivotally coupled to the hinge and the running gear to be coupled to the second end of the support arm.