Semi-Trailer Jack Lift Drive With Worm Gear Torque Multiplication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual cranking of semi-trailer jacks is labor-intensive and hazardous due to the heavy weight of semi-trailers, and existing motorized jacks are not capable of lifting semi-trailer weights.
Innovation Solution
A motorized lifting system comprising a motor, worm drive gear assembly, and a coupling mechanism that connects to the jack's shaft, along with a housing, bearings, and a bracket for secure mounting, allowing for the motorization of semi-trailer jacks to lift heavy weights safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cranking is used to operate the jack, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the heavy weight of semi-trailers causing difficult and hazardous manual cranking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical cranking system with an electric motor-driven system. The motor (element 2) is connected through a worm drive gear assembly (elements 20, 29, 30) to the jack rod (element 13), substituting human mechanical effort with an electric power system that can generate sufficient torque to lift heavy semi-trailers without manual cranking.
2Ease of operation
If existing motorized jacks are used, then the ease of operation improves with motorized lifting, but the reliability deteriorates as they are not capable of lifting semi-trailer weights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the power transmission parameters by using a worm drive gear assembly with specific gear ratios (elements 29, 30) that multiply the motor's torque output. This parameter change in the mechanical advantage allows the system to generate sufficient lifting force for semi-trailers (up to 65,000 lbs) while maintaining motorized operation, thereby achieving both ease of operation and reliability.
3Productivity
If a motorized lifting system is implemented, then the productivity improves by eliminating manual effort, but the device complexity increases with additional components like motor, gear assembly, and coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lifting system into distinct functional modules: the motor (element 2) as the power source, the worm drive gear assembly (elements 20, 29, 30) as the transmission mechanism, the coupling (elements 27, 33-36) for connecting to the jack shaft, and the bracket (element 26) for mounting. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier installation, maintenance, and replacement, managing the overall device complexity while achieving motorized productivity.
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 of semi-trailers up to 65,000 lbs without manual effort, reducing the risk of injury and providing a reliable, motorized solution for heavy loads.
Implementation Method 1
a motor; a worm drive gear assembly powered by the motor
Implementation Method 2
a worm drive gear assembly powered by the motor
Implementation Method 3
a clamp capable of clamping the second half of the coupling to the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized lifting system for use on a semi-trailer. The lifting system may comprise a lifting unit capable of mounting to a jack on the semi-trailer, allowing the lifting unit to raise and lower the dolly legs of the jack. The lifting unit may comprise a motor and a series of sprockets and chains connecting the motor to a drive shaft that mounts to a rod of the jack, such that turning the rod raises or lowers the dolly legs.