Pivotable Puller Jack for Flooring Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jack devices for flooring elements require separate tools for pulling and pushing, and those capable of both often have inconveniently removable feet that can be lost or misplaced, and are not suitable for flooring elements with varying thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A jack-type tool with a base, pivotable puller, and extendable ram that can pivot to accommodate different flooring element thicknesses, allowing for both pulling and pushing operations without the need for separate tools or removable parts, featuring a self-adjusting mechanism and integrated ram-drive mechanism with a one-way clutch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a jack device uses a completely removable foot for pulling operations, then the jack can pull flooring elements, but the foot can be easily misplaced or lost and requires separate tools and fasteners for attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The puller foot is integrated with the jack body through pivotable attachment, merging two previously separate components (foot and jack) into a unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate tools and fasteners to attach the foot, while maintaining the pulling capability. The pivotable connection allows the foot to be securely attached yet easily repositioned for different operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The puller foot is made pivotable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic attachment enables the foot to pivot into place for pulling operations and pivot away for pushing operations, eliminating the need for complete removal and reattachment while maintaining adaptability for different flooring element thicknesses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a jack device uses a removable foot for pulling, then it can perform pulling operations, but the foot is separate from the jack and can be lost during movement
Solution Approach 1:
By pivotably attaching the puller foot to the jack body, the invention merges the foot and jack into a single integrated tool. The foot is no longer a separate removable component that can be lost, but rather an integrated part that remains attached during transport and storage, significantly improving part retention reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a jack device uses a completely removable foot, then it can accommodate different flooring element thicknesses, but the foot must be completely detached for pushing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable attachment mechanism allows the puller foot to dynamically adjust to different flooring element thicknesses by pivoting to the appropriate angle, eliminating the need for complete removal. The same pivotable connection that enables easy attachment also facilitates quick repositioning for different thicknesses, reducing device complexity compared to completely removable feet.
4Reliability
If separate tools are purchased for pulling and pushing flooring elements, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the installer must purchase and manage multiple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The jack device is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both pulling and pushing capabilities in a single tool. The puller foot can pivot into position for pulling operations, and the same structure allows for pushing operations, eliminating the need for separate specialized tools while maintaining functional optimization for both operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of separate pulling and pushing tools into a single unified jack device. By integrating the puller foot with pivotable attachment and designing the jack body to accommodate both pulling and pushing operations, the invention consolidates multiple tool functions into one versatile tool.
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 efficient and versatile use in installing and repairing flooring elements by consolidating pulling and pushing functions into a single tool, reducing the risk of part loss and accommodating various thicknesses, thereby improving installation quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a self-adjusting mechanism and integrated ram-drive mechanism with a one-way clutch
Implementation Method 2
a puller pivotably attached to the base, a ram extendable from the base... the puller is capable of self-adjusting pivoting movement
Data Source
AI summary
Jack-type tools for moving elements such as flooring elements by pulling and, alternatively, by pushing are shown and described. In an embodiment, the jack includes a base, a puller pivotably attached to the base, a ram extendable from the base, and a ram-drive mechanism in power-transmission relationship with the ram which is operative to extend the ram. The pivotably attached puller contacts a flooring element side portion during a pulling mode of operation and pivots out of the way so that the jack can push a flooring element during a pushing mode of operation. The ram extends from the base against a fixed surface such as a wall or cabinet to apply a force which pulls the flooring element with the puller to move the puller and flooring element away from the fixed surface and, alternatively, a force which pushes the flooring element by extension of the ram with the tool secured with respect to a subfloor or other support.