Portable Two-Post Lift With Segmented Base Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional portable above-ground post lifts with outwardly extending legs are difficult to transport and require substantial storage space due to their size and stability features.
Innovation Solution
A portable two-post lift design featuring column bases without outwardly extending legs, utilizing base plates with anchor bolt receiving holes for secure attachment to a concrete slab during use and wheels for easy movement and storage, along with a portable power unit and hydraulic system for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If outwardly extending legs are added to portable lifting columns to prevent tipping, then stability is improved, but transport difficulty and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into a compact plate structure that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The mounting flanges with anchor bolt receiving holes allow the base to be segmented into attachable and detachable components, enabling easy transport while maintaining stability during use
Solution Approach 2:
The base transitions from a static extended-leg structure to a dynamic compact plate that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The mounting flanges enable the base to dynamically change between a stable installed state and a compact transport state
2Stability of the object's composition
If outwardly extending legs are added to portable lifting columns to prevent tipping, then stability is improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into a compact plate structure with mounting flanges that can be attached to the post when needed and removed when not needed, significantly reducing storage space while maintaining stability during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The extended leg structure is extracted and replaced with a compact plate base. The mounting flanges with anchor bolt receiving holes provide the necessary stability without requiring permanent extended legs, thus reducing storage space requirements
3Stability of the object's composition
If anchor bolts are used to secure column bases to a concrete slab, then stability during use is improved, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting flanges with anchor bolt receiving holes are pre-formed on the base plate, allowing anchor bolts to be quickly inserted and secured without requiring complex assembly procedures or extensive setup time
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting flanges act as an intermediary component between the base plate and anchor bolts, providing pre-formed receiving holes that facilitate quick and easy attachment to the concrete slab, reducing setup time while ensuring stability
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 design allows for easy transport and reduced storage requirements, while maintaining stability and efficiency in lifting vehicles, as the lift can be quickly set up and disassembled for storage, minimizing space needs.
Implementation Method 1
The power unit includes a hydraulic pump, motor, and reservoir mounted on a cart for easy transport and storage
Implementation Method 2
A rotary gear flow divider is also mounted on the cart and divides flow of hydraulic fluid between the lifting columns
Data Source
AI summary
A portable automobile lift includes a plurality of portable lifting columns and a portable power unit. Each lifting column includes a column base, a post extending upwardly from the column base, a lifting carriage moveably mounted on a forward side of the post, and a hydraulic actuator connected to the lifting carriage for movement of the lifting carriage along the post. Each column base comprises a respective base plate connected to a lower end of the respective post. The base plate anchor bolt receiving holes extending therethrough for receiving respective anchor bolts. Each column base further includes a pair of wheels positioned to engage a ground surface rearward of the base plate. The lift also includes a portable power unit for providing hydraulic fluid to the actuators. The power unit is mounted on a cart for easy transportation and storage.