Interchangeable Jack Adapters for Multi-Vehicle Lift Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor jacks are not compatible with different vehicle types due to varying lift points and configurations, necessitating the use of multiple jacks, which is costly.
Innovation Solution
Development of jack adapters with specific designs, such as pinch weld adapters and cylindrical adapters, that can be attached to a jack's lifting component to accommodate different vehicle types, including unibody and body-on-frame vehicles, using features like semi-circular protrusions, tabs, and alignment pins to secure the adapter in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple floor jacks are used for different vehicle types, then compatibility with various vehicles is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single floor jack that can work with multiple vehicle types through interchangeable adapters. The base jack remains unchanged while adapters provide the versatility to accommodate different lift points and vehicle configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized jacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into a base floor jack and separate interchangeable adapters. This segmentation allows the jack to be separated from the vehicle-specific components, enabling the same jack to serve multiple vehicles by simply changing the adapter rather than having dedicated jacks for each vehicle type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different jacks are designed for each vehicle type, then lifting compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base jack is designed as a universal platform that can interface with different vehicle types through standardized adapter interfaces. This universality reduces complexity by maintaining a single jack design rather than creating multiple specialized jack configurations for different vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
Adapters serve as intermediary components between the universal floor jack and vehicle-specific lift points. These intermediaries absorb the complexity of vehicle-specific requirements, allowing the simple base jack to interface with various vehicle types without increasing the jack's own complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If a single floor jack is used for all vehicles, then cost is reduced, but compatibility with different lift points deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static single-design jack to a dynamic system where the adapter can be changed based on the vehicle type. This dynamic adaptability allows a single jack to accommodate different lift points and vehicle configurations by simply changing the adapter component.
Solution Approach 2:
The base jack is designed with universal interfaces that can accept multiple types of adapters, enabling it to perform the same lifting function across different vehicle types. This multi-functionality is achieved through the adapter interface rather than through multiple specialized jack designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to jack adapters that can improve compatibility of, e.g., floor jacks so that those floor jacks can be used with a wide variety of vehicles that have different jack compatibility requirements. A pinch weld adapter is contemplated, along with an adapter configured to lift some Rivian vehicles, and an adapter that is configured to operate with a jack extender to lift some GM vehicles.