Hydraulic Jack Support Apparatus with Pin Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic floor jacks lack a compact and easy-to-use solution for safely and quickly converting into a jack stand, especially in situations with limited jack points and space, where traditional jack stands cannot be effectively employed due to their size and separate location requirements.
Innovation Solution
A jack support apparatus comprising an outer and inner tube assembly with a pin mechanism that selectively locks the hydraulic floor jack against downward movement, allowing it to function as a jack stand by forming a rigid linkage between the wheel and cup axles, preventing unintended collapse and providing a 'fail-safe' mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional jack stands are used to support a vehicle, then safety is improved by providing mechanical support, but the device complexity and space requirements increase due to separate jack and jack stand locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the jack and jack stand functions into a single integrated device. The support apparatus attaches directly to the hydraulic jack, merging two previously separate tools (jack and jack stand) into one unified system that provides both lifting and support functions at the same location.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic jack is transformed into a multi-functional device that can both lift vehicles and provide mechanical support like a jack stand. The support apparatus enables the jack to perform dual functions: hydraulic lifting when needed and passive mechanical support when locked in position.
2Reliability
If traditional jack stands are used, then vehicle support is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming adjustment and positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus features adjustable support surfaces that can be dynamically repositioned along the jack's stroke range. This allows the device to adapt to different vehicle heights and jack positions, maintaining ease of operation while providing reliable support across various operating conditions.
3Force
If hydraulic floor jacks are used to lift vehicles, then lifting capability is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential pressure loss and sudden collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus provides a mechanical backup support system that engages before complete hydraulic failure can occur. The adjustable support surfaces are positioned to catch the jack and prevent sudden collapse, providing a safety cushion against hydraulic pressure loss or seal failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus acts as an intermediary mechanical structure between the hydraulic jack and the vehicle. It provides a rigid support path that bypasses the hydraulic system's potential failure points, transferring the vehicle weight to the jack's structural components rather than relying solely on hydraulic pressure.
4Reliability
If jack and jack stand are positioned at different locations, then traditional jack stand support is provided, but adaptability deteriorates when dedicated jack points are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the jack and jack stand functions at the same location, the invention eliminates the need for separate jack points. The integrated device can be positioned at any single jack point on the vehicle, providing both lifting and support capabilities without requiring multiple dedicated locations.
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, quick, and effective vehicle support by converting a hydraulic floor jack into a jack stand, ensuring stability and preventing collapse even in limited space scenarios, thus addressing the limitations of traditional jack stands.
Implementation Method 1
a tube spring operable between the outer tube body and the inner tube body to bias the outer tube and the inner tube apart
Implementation Method 2
the pin being biased inwardly toward the inner tube by a pin spring
Data Source
AI summary
A jack support apparatus has an outer tube having an outer tube body with an outwardly-extending outer tube jack cradle and an opposite outer tube opening, an inner tube having an inner tube body with a plurality of spaced-apart inner tube holes and an outwardly-extending inner tube jack cradle, the inner tube body slidably received within the outer tube body through the outer tube opening, the outer and inner tube jack cradles configured to each selectively engage one of the wheel axle and the cup axle of the jack, a tube spring operable between the outer tube body and the inner tube body to bias the outer tube and the inner tube apart, and a pin operable through an outer tube hole for selectively engaging any of the plurality of inner tube holes, the pin being biased inwardly toward the inner tube by a pin spring.