Jack Stand Leveling Pads with Roller Bearings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial lifting systems face challenges with reliability and durability, particularly in commercial applications, due to issues with the slide forward bridge mechanism, leveling pads, and the need for a more efficient way to transport and manage jack stands, which affects their capacity and longevity.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates improved leveling pads with cylindrical roller bearings, a slide forward bridge mechanism biased by tension springs for precise alignment and durability, a releasable latch mechanism for the bridge, and a mobile rack for efficient transportation of jack stands, enhancing the power unit's capacity and operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the power unit carries only one or two jack stands, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to frequent trips to retrieve additional stands
Solution Approach 1:
The power unit base is designed to carry multiple jack stands in a nested arrangement, with stands stored vertically within the base structure. This allows the power unit to transport 4 or more jack stands without increasing operational complexity, eliminating the need for frequent trips to retrieve additional stands and thereby improving productivity.
2Strength
If heavier gauge materials are used to increase capacity, then the strength is improved, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power unit incorporates a composite construction combining heavy-gauge steel for the base and frame structures requiring high strength, with lighter-gauge materials for non-critical components. This selective material specification achieves the required 3-4 ton lifting capacity while minimizing overall weight and maintaining mobility.
3Ease of operation
If the bridge is continuously biased forward by compression springs, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability decreases due to spring failure
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge mechanism incorporates a cushioning element positioned at the forward end of the bridge. This cushioning provides a mechanical stop that prevents excessive forward travel and protects the compression springs from failure, thereby maintaining the automatic positioning function while significantly improving the reliability and durability of the bridge mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If the leveling pads use frusta-conical roller bearings, then the ease of operation is improved for lifting jack stands, but the reliability decreases due to bearing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling pads are redesigned with modified roller bearing specifications, including changed dimensions, materials, and mounting configurations. These parameter changes increase the load capacity and durability of the bearings to withstand commercial use conditions while maintaining the smooth operation required for lifting heavy jack stands.
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 improved system provides a reliable and durable commercial lifting solution with enhanced capacity, smooth operation, and extended use, ensuring the power unit can efficiently handle loads of at least 3 tons and maintain performance over time, while the mobile rack facilitates convenient transportation of jack stands.
Implementation Method 1
leveling pads with inner roller bearings thereon for engaging an upper lifting plate of the jack stand
Implementation Method 2
improved leveling pads with cylindrical roller bearings
Implementation Method 3
a slide forward bridge mechanism biased by tension springs for precise alignment and durability
Data Source
AI summary
A jack stand for use with a power unit having a slide forward bridge for positioning by the jack stand; and having a pair of leveling pads with inner roller bearings thereon for engaging an upper lifting plate of the jack stand, and a bottom plate having openings therein for engaging a mobile rack for transporting the jack stands. The jack stand has the bottom plate with a series of telescopic frames extendable therefrom, and the upper lifting plate extending from the upper frame, having side flanges with a rectangular bottom surface thereon for engaging the roller bearing of the power unit. A pair of bumpers are attached to the lowermost vertical frame with one extending forwardly and one extending rearwardly (one of which is always positioned) for engaging the slide forward bridge, as the jack stand is loaded into the power unit. The bottom plate has a pair of rectangular opening therein (one of which is always positioned) for engaging one of a plurality of rectangular fingers, extending from the platform of the mobile rack.