Flexible Jack Screw Connector for Misalignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shallow pit car hoist systems face challenges in accommodating misalignment between lifting screws and drive mechanisms, which can lead to inefficiencies and reduced durability due to environmental contamination and limited load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A flexible jack screw connector that allows for lateral movement and misalignment compensation, capable of transmitting high axial and torque loads, featuring a U-shaped clevis design with a female threaded connector and wear-resistant coating, coupled with a gearbox and guide tubes to ensure stable vehicle lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connection is used between lifting screws and drive mechanisms, then structural strength is improved, but misalignment between components causes wear and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible universal joint mechanism that allows lateral movement and angular adjustment between the lifting screw and drive mechanism. This flexible connection accommodates misalignment while maintaining structural integrity, preventing wear and ensuring reliable operation under load.
2Reliability
If precise alignment between lifting screws and drive mechanisms is maintained, then wear is reduced, but the system cannot accommodate lateral movement or misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint incorporates movable components that dynamically adjust to misalignment conditions. The joint allows lateral movement and angular adjustment, enabling the system to adapt to varying alignment conditions while maintaining smooth power transmission and reducing wear on connected components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible connection is used to accommodate misalignment, then adaptability is improved, but the connection may not transmit high axial and torque loads effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint is divided into multiple functional segments: a forked end for lateral movement, a body portion with orthogonal axes for angular adjustment, and a threaded connector for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each part to handle specific aspects of misalignment while collectively maintaining high load transmission capability through proper force distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting bracket assembly is disclosed. The lifting bracket assembly includes a motor, a pair of gear heads mechanically coupled to the motor such that each of the gear heads is coupled to a jack screw connector, a first and second jack screw, wherein each of the jack screws is coupled to one of the jack screw connectors and one of the gear heads, a first lifting bracket rotatably coupled to the first jack screw, a second lifting bracket rotatably coupled to the second jack screw, wherein the first and second jacks screws are different, a first guide tube fixedly coupled at a first end to the first lifting bracket and coupled to a first rail beam at a second end, and a second guide tube fixedly coupled at a first end to the second lifting bracket and coupled to a second rail beam at a second end.