Rack-and-Pinion Jack Stand for Remote Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive jack stands require users to manually position and adjust them while under the elevated vehicle, posing ergonomic and safety risks as they need to place part or all of their body underneath the vehicle during placement and adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A jack stand with a base, support member, rack-and-pinion gearing, and actuators that allow for ergonomic operation using a handle to extend and lock the support member without requiring the user to be under the vehicle, featuring a latch for stability and automatic retraction for safe lowering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of jack stand height is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the user must crawl under the elevated vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated motorized system. A motor coupled to a screw mechanism automatically adjusts the height of the support member, eliminating the need for manual crawling under the vehicle. The control system receives signals from sensors to autonomously position the jack stand, substituting human physical effort with an automated mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The jack stand system performs self-positioning and self-adjustment through automated control. The control system monitors the vehicle position via sensors and automatically commands the motor to extend or retract the support member to the correct height, enabling the device to service itself without human intervention during the adjustment process.
2Reliability
If the user manually positions the jack stand under the vehicle, then the device complexity is minimized, but the safety deteriorates due to exposure to potential hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs automated sensing and control systems to replace manual positioning operations. Optical sensors or proximity sensors detect the vehicle's position and guide the automated positioning mechanism, eliminating the need for users to physically place themselves under the vehicle. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated systems significantly improves safety while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the user and the jack stand positioning process. The user simply activates the system, and the control system mediates the complex tasks of positioning and height adjustment by processing sensor data and commanding the motor accordingly, keeping the user at a safe distance from potential hazards.
3Productivity
If automated height adjustment is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated height adjustment by replacing manual mechanical operations with an integrated motor-screw-control system. The motor drives a screw mechanism for precise height control, while a control system with sensors automatically determines the required height and executes the adjustment, significantly improving productivity by eliminating manual crawling and measurement tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: it receives signals from sensors, calculates the appropriate height, commands the motor for adjustment, and monitors the positioning process. This multi-functional integration improves productivity by consolidating multiple operations into a single automated system rather than separate manual steps.
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 safe and ergonomic placement and adjustment of jack stands, reducing user exposure to potential hazards and improving operational efficiency by allowing the user to maintain a safe distance from the elevated vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The jack stand may further comprise a rack-and-pinion gearing having a second set of gear teeth, the rack-and-pinion gearing operable to adjust an extension of the brace surface away from the base
Implementation Method 2
The support member may further comprise a first set of gear teeth. The jack stand may further comprise a rack-and-pinion gearing having a second set of gear teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A jack stand having a rack-and-pinion gearing mechanism to extend a support member. The jack stand further comprises a latching mechanism suitable to provide a static force operable to sustain elevation of a vehicle. The jack stand further comprises a number of sleeves configured to receive a detachable handle operable to utilize the functions of the jack stand from a distance away from the underside of the vehicle.