Adjustable Jack Saddle Assembly With Integrated Lift-Point Adapter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional vehicle jacks struggle to effectively lift modern unibody or uniframe vehicles due to the absence of flat lifting points or round axle tubes, requiring separate adapters that can be misplaced and result in unstable interfaces.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable saddle assembly for a vehicle jack with a vehicle interface adapter and a releasable adapter mechanism that includes a pivot adapter and a pivot adapter, which integrates a vehicle interface adapter securely to the saddle assembly, allowing for stable and safe lifting of vehicles with factory lift/support points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional shallow cup saddle is used, then it can effectively lift vehicles with flat lifting points or round axle tubes, but it cannot effectively interface with modern unibody vehicles that have reinforced pinch seams or hole lifting points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different vehicle lifting pointsVSAvoidsecure lifting contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a traditional shallow cup saddle for standard vehicles, and a removable vehicle interface adapter with channel and pin configurations for modern unibody vehicles. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific vehicle types while maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A vehicle interface adapter serves as an intermediary component between the traditional saddle and modern vehicle lifting points. The adapter includes a channel configuration for pinch seams and a pin configuration for hole lifting points, enabling the traditional saddle to interface with contemporary vehicle designs that lack compatible lifting surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate vehicle interface adapter is used, then it can interface with modern unibody vehicles, but the adapter may be misplaced and result in an unstable interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface with modern unibody vehiclesVSAvoidinterface stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle interface adapter is merged with the saddle assembly through a releasable engagement mechanism, creating an integrated unit. The adapter engages with the saddle body via complementary geometric features and locking elements, ensuring the adapter remains securely attached during lifting operations while allowing intentional removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement mechanism provides dynamic functionality, allowing the adapter to be securely attached during lifting operations and easily removed when vehicle changes occur. The releasable connection maintains stability during use while enabling quick reconfiguration for different vehicle types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If channel and pin adapters are used as separate components, then they can engage specific lift points, but they may not fit within the circumferential saddle ridge and result in an unstable interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement with specific lift pointsVSAvoidadapter configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel and pin adapter configurations are merged into a single integrated vehicle interface adapter component. This unified adapter includes both the channel for pinch seams and the pin for hole lifting points, eliminating the need for separate adapter components and simplifying the overall system configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle interface adapter is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both channel and pin configurations within a single component that can engage with different vehicle lifting points. The adapter can be oriented to present either the channel or pin interface as needed, providing universal compatibility with various modern vehicle designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250368490A1Adjustable saddle assembly for a vehicle jack

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS USA INC

AI summary

An adjustable saddle assembly for a vehicle jack is disclosed. The saddle assembly comprises a saddle body including a saddle face, a vehicle interface adapter, and a releasable adapter engagement mechanism. The releasable adapter engagement mechanism is operable to secure the vehicle interface adapter in a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. When in the stowed configuration, the vehicle interface adapter is substantially positioned within an adapter cavity disposed in the saddle body.