Spring-Biased Self-Locking Jack for Automated Cribbing Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Climbing jacks require manual intervention to add cribbing members during load lifting, which can be risky and inefficient, especially if the hydraulic cylinder fails.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking jack system with movable locks biased by springs and actuators that automatically adjust to support cribbing blocks, allowing for automated and secure stacking and unstacking of loads without continuous operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is used to add cribbing members during load lifting, then the operator can control the lifting process, but the operation becomes risky and inefficient, especially if the hydraulic cylinder fails
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system automatically engages and disengages based on the hydraulic cylinder's position, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The spring-biased lock mechanism self-adjusts to accommodate cribbing block addition and removal, providing autonomous operation that improves both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased lock is pre-positioned to automatically engage before the hydraulic cylinder reaches critical positions. This preliminary action ensures that the lock is ready to secure the cribbing block before the operator needs to add or remove blocks, preventing failures and improving operational safety.
2Reliability
If the lock is always engaged to secure the load, then loading security is improved, but the cribbing block cannot be added or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The lock transitions from a static engaged state to a dynamic system that can automatically engage and disengage based on hydraulic cylinder position. The spring-biased mechanism allows the lock to adapt its state, remaining engaged for security during lifting and automatically disengaging when cribbing blocks need to be added or removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinder's position provides feedback to the spring-biased lock mechanism, automatically triggering engagement when the cylinder retracts and disengagement when it extends. This feedback loop ensures the lock responds appropriately to operational needs, maintaining both security and block manipulation capability.
3Ease of operation
If the lock is manually actuated, then the locking mechanism can be controlled, but additional operator intervention and potential for error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased lock automatically actuates based on hydraulic cylinder position, eliminating the need for manual actuation. The system self-regulates the locking and unlocking processes, reducing operational complexity while maintaining ease of use through autonomous response to cylinder movement.
4Productivity
If automated lock mechanism is implemented, then operator error is reduced and efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased lock system performs automated locking and unlocking through its own mechanical design, responding automatically to hydraulic cylinder position. This self-service mechanism improves productivity by eliminating manual intervention and operator error, while the simplicity of the spring-bias mechanism keeps the added complexity minimal.
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 safe and efficient lifting and lowering of loads by automatically securing cribbing blocks, reducing the risk of operator error and ensuring continuous support even if the hydraulic cylinder fails.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is coupled to the lock and biases the lock into the cavity
Implementation Method 2
A lock actuator is coupled to the lock and biases the lock out of the cavity against the biasing force of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A jack includes a main body with a cavity. A lifting cylinder is supported on the main body and is extendable into the cavity. A lock is movably coupled to the main body. A spring is coupled to the lock and biases the lock into the cavity. A cylinder is coupled to the lock and biases the lock out of the cavity against the biasing force of the spring.