Dual-sided Pit Jack Control Device for Safe Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pit jacks in workshop pits create a barrier for mechanics, requiring them to frequently switch between access areas to operate the lifting device, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, and existing remote control solutions face issues with safety and operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A two-sided operating device for pit jacks is designed, with a duplicate set of actuating elements on both sides of the lifting cylinder or chassis, allowing mechanics to operate the pit jack from either access area and enhancing safety by ensuring functionality even if one side fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operating device is arranged on one side of the pit jack, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because mechanics must frequently switch between access areas
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device is segmented into two independent operating sides (first operating side 1a and second operating side 1b), each with its own actuating elements. This segmentation allows mechanics to operate the pit jack from either side of the pit without needing to switch access areas, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If remote control is used to operate the pit jack from a distance, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to wireless signal interference and power supply issues
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using wireless remote control as an intermediary, the patent provides direct physical access to actuating elements on both sides of the pit jack. This eliminates the intermediary wireless communication channel that causes signal interference and power supply issues, while still allowing operation from a distance by simply walking to the other side of the pit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a duplicate set of actuating elements on the second operating side that mirrors the first operating side. This copying approach allows mechanics to operate the pit jack from either side using identical controls, improving ease of operation without relying on unreliable wireless remote control systems.
3Ease of operation
If remote control is placed near the pit jack for easy access, then the ease of operation improves, but safety deteriorates due to the risk of accidents from control lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the control lines that connect remote controls to the pit jack actuator. By providing direct actuating elements mounted on the pit jack itself, the harmful control lines are completely removed from the system, eliminating the safety risk while maintaining ease of operation through dual-sided access.
4Reliability
If all actuating elements are duplicated on both operating sides, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device is divided into two independent segments (first operating side 1a and second operating side 1b), each with complete actuating elements. This segmentation provides redundancy for reliability while keeping each segment simple and modular, allowing the system to maintain functionality even if one side fails.
Solution Approach 2:
Each operating side is designed with locally complete functionality, meaning both the first and second operating sides have all necessary actuating elements for full pit jack operation. This local quality approach ensures that each side can independently perform all operations, providing reliability without requiring complex interdependence between sides.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The device (1,1') has a lifting cylinder (3) that is arranged on chassis and provided in operating side (1a). Several actuating elements (5) are provided in lifting cylinder. The operating element (5') is provided in operating side (1b). Both operating sides are arranged opposite to each other. The hand lever and pedal are provided in operating elements.