Jack Assembly Gearbox Driven by Power Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jockey wheels and hydraulic jacks are physically challenging for many people, particularly the elderly, to operate due to the need for significant physical force to wind up and down, and they lack easy storage options once pressure is removed.
Innovation Solution
A jack assembly with a telescopic column driven via a gearbox, coupled to a rotary input of a drive mechanism, utilizing a gear module with bevel gears and a threaded rod, allowing for easier operation with a portable power tool, providing a gear ratio of at least 2:1 and a lifting capacity of at least 600kg, and including a pivot coupling and locking plate for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional manual jack or hydraulic jack is used, then the lifting function is achieved, but the physical effort required is too great for many people to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical winding system with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, eliminating the need for manual physical effort. The motor is connected to the jack mechanism through a drive system that includes gears and a drum, automatically performing the winding function when activated by a switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric motor as an intermediary device between the user's electrical energy source (battery) and the mechanical lifting system. This intermediary converts electrical energy to mechanical energy, serving as a mediator that eliminates the direct physical effort requirement while enabling the lifting function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hydraulic jack is used, then lifting capability is achieved, but the jack cannot be easily collapsed for storage once pressure is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescopic column design with multiple segments that can dynamically extend and retract. The column consists of nested tubes that slide relative to each other, allowing the structure to adapt between extended (for lifting) and retracted (for storage) states. This dynamic structure enables easy collapse and compact storage when not in use.
3Power
If a telescopic column with drive mechanism is used, then lifting capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the telescopic column into multiple segmented sections or tubes that nest within each other. Each segment can move independently relative to the others, allowing the column to extend and retract in a controlled manner. This segmentation enables the lifting function while maintaining a compact form factor and manageable complexity through modular design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly reduces the physical effort required to operate the jockey wheel, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, and allows for faster loading and unloading of vehicles with minimal effort, reducing the time by 50% to 80%, while being easily portable and demountable.
Implementation Method 1
the gear box has only a single input gear and a single output gear that is coupled to the drive mechanism; and the input gear has a connector adapted to be engaged and driven by a portable, hand-held power tool
Implementation Method 2
the gears are driven to rotate about axes transverse to the column and the drive mechanism includes a gear module with a block that houses bevel gears that transfer the drive from the gearbox into longitudinal extension of retraction of the column
Implementation Method 3
the drive mechanism further includes a threaded rod that connects into the module, through a base of the block, to engage with the second bevel gear
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
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AI summary
A jack assembly including a telescopic column driven via a gear box, wherein: the gear box is coupled to a rotary input of a drive mechanism that extends and retracts the column; the gear box has only a single input gear and a single output gear that is coupled to the drive mechanism; and the input gear has a connector adapted to be engaged and driven by a portable, hand-held power tool. The invention also relates to a jack assembly with a gear box for use as a jockey wheel for attachment to a towed vehicle, to raise and lower a draw bar of the vehicle.