Retractable Wheel Jack Base with Biasing Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle jacks are heavy and difficult to move due to their weight, as they require users to support the jack while moving it, even when equipped with wheels, which does not fully address the mobility issue.
Innovation Solution
A transportable jack system featuring a base plate with retractable wheels and a biasing member that biases the base away from the ground when no load is applied, allowing easy movement and deforms to contact the ground when a load is applied, preventing movement and stabilizing the jack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wheels are added to the jack base, then the ease of moving the jack is improved, but the jack still requires manual support during movement and does not fully solve the mobility problem
Solution Approach 1:
The base incorporates a biasing member that dynamically changes the state of the base between elevated (for movement) and grounded (for stability). The base is not statically fixed but transitions between positions based on operational requirements, allowing the jack to be easily moved when elevated and stable when grounded during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically performs the function of elevating and lowering the base without requiring manual intervention. When the jack is moved, the biasing member self-actuates to raise the base off the ground, and when the jack is in use, it automatically lowers the base to the ground for stability, eliminating the need for continuous manual support.
2Ease of operation
If the base is designed to be lightweight for easy movement, then the ease of moving the jack is improved, but the stability of the jack when in use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base transitions between two stable states: an elevated position for movement where the biasing member provides upward force, and a grounded position for stability where the base contacts the ground. This dynamic positioning allows the base to optimize for either mobility or stability depending on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member acts as a counterweight mechanism that provides upward force to elevate the base during movement, compensating for the weight of the jack. During use, this same biasing member controls the lowering of the base to ensure stable ground contact, effectively managing the weight distribution to achieve both mobility and stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the base is fixed to the ground for stability, then the stability of the jack when in use is improved, but the ease of moving the jack deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with dynamic positioning capability through the biasing member, allowing it to transition between grounded (stable) and elevated (mobile) states. This eliminates the need for a permanently fixed base while maintaining stability during use, as the base can be automatically positioned on the ground when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically positions the base on the ground when the jack is in use, providing stability without requiring manual intervention. During movement, the biasing member self-actuates to elevate the base, enabling easy relocation. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction between fixed stability and mobile ease of operation.
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 easy transportation of the jack system without requiring manual support, ensuring stability when in use and facilitating relocation by automatically locking the base to the ground under load, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member is configured from a single piece of material consisting of a top horizontal portion, a bottom horizontal portion, and an angled middle portion disposed between the top horizontal portion and the bottom horizontal portion. The biasing member biases the base away from a ground surface when a load applied to the jack is below a predetermined threshold and deforms when the load is above the predetermined threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A transportable jack system includes a jack disposed on a base. The base includes a base plate with a plurality of wheel openings formed therein, and a biasing member disposed between a wheel and the base plate. The biasing member is configured from a single piece of material consisting of a top horizontal portion, a bottom horizontal portion, and an angled middle portion disposed between the top horizontal portion and the bottom horizontal portion. The biasing member biases the base away from a ground surface when a load applied to the jack is below a predetermined threshold and deforms when the load is above the predetermined threshold, wherein the deformation allows the base plate to contact the ground surface.