Pivot Hanger Assembly for Vehicle Lift Tire Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lift systems require users to squat or elevate tires manually, which can be cumbersome, especially for individuals of varying heights, and do not efficiently facilitate the transfer of tires and rims without compromising safety or ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A pivotally supported hanger assembly is mounted to a structural location of a vehicle lift, utilizing inter-adjustable and load-bearing brackets and a hinge pin system that allows for secure attachment to a tubular perimeter, enabling the hanger to elevate and lower with the lift, thus eliminating the need for manual squatting during tire and rim placement or removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tire handling is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to squatting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger assembly is integrated with the vehicle lift system, combining the lifting function with the wheel support function. The hanger mounts to the lift arm and moves with the lift, eliminating the need for separate floor-based wheel holders and reducing overall system complexity while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger assembly serves as an intermediary device between the vehicle wheel and the user. By providing a suspended support point at wheel height, it mediates the transfer of heavy wheels without requiring users to bend or lift from the floor, thus improving ease of operation without adding significant complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed mounting is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates for different lift configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger assembly is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket portion that attaches to the lift arm, and a hanger portion that supports the wheel. This segmentation allows the mounting bracket to be configured for different lift types while keeping the hanger portion standardized, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger assembly incorporates pivotal connections and adjustable mounting features that allow it to adapt dynamically to different lift configurations. The ability to reposition and reconfigure the mounting bracket on various lift arm types provides versatility without requiring completely different assemblies for each lift model.
3Reliability
If simple mounting is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates for load-bearing applications
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger assembly is designed with substantial mass and rigid construction to counterbalance the weight of vehicle wheels. The mounting bracket and hanger arm are engineered with sufficient structural capacity to reliably support heavy loads, ensuring reliability while maintaining manufacturability through standard fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal connections and mounting hardware are designed with built-in load distribution features that prevent stress concentration before failure occurs. The robust construction and multiple attachment points provide redundant load paths that enhance reliability while being manufacturable with standard materials and processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot hanger assembly adapted to being mounted to a structural supporting location associated with a vehicle lift. A clamp subassembly includes a plurality of assembleable and inter-adjustable brackets adapted to being affixed around a rectangular tubular perimeter corresponding to the structural supporting location of the vehicle lift. A selected one of the brackets exhibits at least a first hinge collar support extending along a vertically extending edge, with an elongated arm exhibiting at least a second hinge collar support along a proximal end which aligns with the first collar support in order to define a continuous channel. A hinge pin inserts through the continuous channel and in order to hingedly mount the arm to the clamp subassembly in a load bearing permitting fashion.