Telescoping Jack Stand Frame Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing commercial two-part jacking system faces challenges such as the lifting plate shifting during operation, unreliable locking mechanisms, excessive pivotal travel of hydraulic rams, difficult handle control, and manufacturing issues with lift arms and slide-forward bridges, leading to inefficiencies and durability problems.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a self-aligning jack stand with a reliable locking mechanism, improved handle controls, and an automatic-slide-forward-bridge assembly, all fabricated from robust materials like 4130-4140 steel and heat-treated to 40-45 Rockwell C hardness, ensuring precise alignment, durable operation, and efficient loading and unloading of jack stands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is used to retain the second frame during elevation, then the frame stability is improved, but the locking mechanism reliability deteriorates due to short life and unreliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cam mechanism, specifically the cam angle, to optimize the locking action. By adjusting the cam angle, the locking force and engagement reliability are improved, resolving the issue of short life and unreliability in the locking mechanism while maintaining frame stability during elevation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies using 4130-4140 steel and heat treatment to achieve 40-45 Rockwell C hardness for the locking mechanism components. This composite material approach (base steel + heat treatment) enhances the durability and reliability of the locking mechanism, directly addressing the short life problem while maintaining the required frame stability.
2Productivity
If the power unit is designed to carry multiple jack stands, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the power unit chassis to nest multiple jack stands within its structure. The jack stands are carried in a nested arrangement inside the power unit frame, allowing multiple stands to be transported without increasing external dimensions significantly. This nesting approach improves productivity by carrying multiple stands while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power unit is designed with universal carrying capabilities that can accommodate multiple jack stands of similar specifications. The chassis structure provides multi-functional support for different数量的 stands, allowing a single power unit to serve multiple lifting operations without requiring complex reconfiguration, thus improving productivity while controlling complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lift arms are designed for direct load lifting, then the versatility is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the lift arms with dynamic capabilities that allow them to function both as support structures for jack stands and as direct load-lifting mechanisms. The lift arms incorporate movable joints and adjustable positioning features that enable them to adapt to different loading configurations, providing versatility for direct load lifting while using standard manufacturing techniques to control production difficulty.
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 enhances the robustness and reliability of the jacking system, providing stable and efficient lifting capabilities, improved durability, and easier handling, addressing the manufacturing and operational challenges of the existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The latch member is horizontally slideable in the guide member and has a slotted opening therein for receiving the finger, and includes springs for urging the latching member inward along the guide member
Implementation Method 2
The guide member, the latch member and the finger are formed of 4130-4140 steel and are heat treated to a hardened of about 40-45 Rockwell C
Data Source
AI summary
An extendible jack stand comprises first, second, and third vertical frames arranged in telescoping relationship. A locking mechanism includes an upwardly extending finger fixedly secured to an outer surface of the upper end of the first frame. A guide member is secured to the upper end of the second frame and extends horizontally outward. A latch member is slideable within the guide member and has a slotted opening therein for receiving the finger, with springs urging the latching member inward. When the third frame is fully extended, the latch member is urged into a groove in the third frame and permits the second frame to be extended. The upper end of the finger has an outward surface that inclined at about 32° for sliding the latch member outward along the guide member. The inward surface then inclines at an angle of about 45°. The inward surface further extends inclined at an angle of about 23. The guide member, the finger and the latch member are formed of 4130-4140 steel and are heat treated to a hardened of about 40-45 Rockwell C.