Jack Assembly Load Cell Removal Without Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load cells installed with jacks, such as those used for aircraft, cannot be removed without completely unloading the jack, making it a time-consuming and labor-intensive process.
Innovation Solution
A jack assembly design that includes a body, a lifting piston, a lock collar, and a load cell positioned around the lifting piston and between the body and the lock collar, allowing the load cell to be added or removed while the jack continues to support the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the load cell is installed between the jack and the load using current techniques, then the load cell can measure the downward force, but the load cell cannot be removed without completely unloading the jack
Solution Approach 1:
The jack assembly is divided into separable components: the load cell is positioned between the lock collar and the body, allowing it to be independently removed from the jack assembly while the jack remains assembled and operational
Solution Approach 2:
The lock collar acts as an intermediary component that provides a removable interface between the load cell and the jack body, enabling load cell replacement without affecting the structural integrity or operational status of the jack
2Measurement precision
If the load cell is installed between the jack and the load, then the downward force can be measured, but the installation process is labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell installation is simplified by segmenting the jack assembly into modular components, allowing the load cell to be independently positioned between the lock collar and body without requiring complex assembly procedures or specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The lock collar serves as a mediator that facilitates easy load cell installation by providing a pre-configured interface that accepts the load cell without requiring disassembly of the jack or complex alignment procedures
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
Enables the load cell to be added or removed without unloading the jack, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs, while maintaining stability even on sloped surfaces or in windy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting piston positioned at least partially above the body and configured to move up and down with respect to the body... The lifting piston is configured to hydraulically move up and down with respect to the body
Implementation Method 2
an extension screw positioned at least partially in the vertical bore of the lifting piston. The extension screw comprises outer threads that are engaged with inner threads of the lifting piston. The extension screw is configured to mechanically move up and down with respect to the lifting piston in response to rotating the extension screw with respect to the lifting piston
Implementation Method 3
a lock collar positioned at least partially around the lifting piston. The lock collar is configured to move up and down with respect to the lifting piston in response to rotating the lock collar with respect to the lifting piston
Implementation Method 4
A load cell is a force transducer that converts a force such as tension, compression (e.g., weight), pressure, and/or torque into an electrical signal that can be measured and standardized. As the force applied to the load cell increases, the electrical signal changes proportionally.
Data Source
AI summary
A jack assembly includes a body. The jack assembly also includes a lifting piston positioned at least partially above the body and configured to move up and down with respect to the body. The jack assembly also includes a lock collar positioned at least partially around the lifting piston. The lock collar is configured to move up and down with respect to the lifting piston in response to rotating the lock collar with respect to the lifting piston. The jack assembly also includes a load cell positioned at least partially around the lifting piston and between the body and the lock collar. The jack assembly is configured to support an object, which exerts a downward force onto the lifting piston. The downward force is transferred from the lifting piston to the lock collar to the load cell to the body. The load cell measures the downward force.