Commercial Lifting Device Power Unit Leveling Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-part jacking systems for lifting vehicles face issues with reliability and durability, particularly in commercial applications, due to the short life of leveling pads and frusta-conical roller bearings, and require frequent realignment and replacement of components like compression springs in the automatic slide forward bridge mechanism, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates improved leveling pads with U-shaped designs and rear cylindrical roller bearings, a slide forward bridge mechanism biased by tension springs for precise alignment, a releasable latch mechanism for the bridge, and a safety mechanism to secure lift arms, along with a mobile rack for efficient transportation of jack stands, enhancing durability and operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frusta-conical roller bearings are used in the leveling pads, then the power unit can lift and position jack stands effectively, but the roller bearings fail prematurely and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the frusta-conical roller bearings from the leveling pad assembly entirely, eliminating the component that caused premature failure. The leveling pads are redesigned to function without these bearings, extracting the problematic element from the system while maintaining the core lifting functionality through alternative mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, complex roller bearing system with simpler, more durable components that can be easily replaced if needed. The new design uses robust, straightforward mechanical elements that prioritize long-term reliability over sophisticated but fragile bearing mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If compression springs are used in the automatic slide forward bridge mechanism, then the bridge can be biased forward automatically, but the springs require frequent realignment and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the compression springs from the bridge mechanism, eliminating the component that requires frequent realignment and replacement. The automatic sliding function is achieved through alternative mechanical means that do not depend on spring-based biasing, thereby extracting the unreliable element from the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge mechanism is redesigned to be self-aligning and self-positioning without requiring spring-based forcing. The mechanism naturally guides the bridge to its correct position through its own geometric design and contact surfaces, eliminating the need for external spring components that degrade over time.
3Device complexity
If the power unit carries only one or two jack stands, then the base design is simplified, but additional stands cannot be acquired to reload the power unit for efficient use on multiple projects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the power unit base with universal carrying capability that can accommodate one or two jack stands simultaneously. The base structure incorporates standardized interfaces and space allocation that allow flexible configuration, enabling the same base to efficiently carry different numbers of stands depending on project requirements, thereby achieving multi-functionality without increasing fundamental design complexity.
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 solution with extended use capacity, precise alignment, and reduced maintenance needs, ensuring consistent performance in commercial applications by using tension springs for reliable bridge operation and secure lift arm positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a slide forward bridge mechanism biased by tension springs for precise alignment
Implementation Method 2
improved leveling pads with U-shaped designs and rear cylindrical roller bearings
Data Source
AI summary
A power unit includes a rectangular frame having a forward end for operating the jack stand; a middle portion for retaining the lifting mechanism; a rearward end for controlling the power unit. A pair of lift arms acting in parallel have forward ends, central portions and rearward ends and are interconnected at the rearward ends thereof by a lateral push bar. A pair of horizontally oriented U-shaped leveling pads each having an outer rectangular plate and an inner rectangular plate providing an open rearward end with the opening equal to the thickness of the lift arm, and forming a closed U-shaped forward end, and are pivotally attached at the rearward end thereof around the inner and outer sides of the forward end of the respective lift arm. Each outer rectangular plate of the leveling pad has a downwardly extended lever arm at the forward end thereof for connecting to a leveling link. Each inner rectangular plate has a rear cylindrical roller bearing mounted on the rearward end thereof, and has an adjacent forward cylindrical roller bearing mounted on the forward end thereof, with the roller bearings for engaging side flanges of a lifting plate of the jack stand, and for engaging sides of a slide forward bridge.