Side-Mount Vehicle Leveling Jack Without Frame Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle leveling systems require permanent modifications to the vehicle frame, such as drilling holes, which can void warranties and create safety hazards, especially in 'no-drill' zones.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle leveling system that includes extendable jacks with frame engaging features and mounting structures that allow for adjustable attachment to the vehicle frame without drilling new holes, using existing manufacturer-provided apertures and brackets to distribute the lifting force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drilling holes into the frame is used to attach jacks, then the jacks can be securely attached for leveling, but the manufacturer's warranty is voided and safety hazards are created
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the frame through existing apertures, and a jack that attaches to the bracket. This segmentation allows the jack to be securely attached without drilling new holes in the frame, thus maintaining warranty while achieving reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the jack and the vehicle frame. The bracket attaches to the frame through existing manufacturer-provided apertures and provides attachment points for the jack, thereby securing the jack without requiring new drilling into the frame structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If stand-alone jacks are placed under the vehicle, then no frame modification is needed, but the jacks require storage space and manual placement work
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets are pre-attached to the vehicle frame during vehicle assembly or initial setup, so that when leveling is needed, the jacks are already in position and only require connection to the brackets. This preliminary attachment eliminates the need for manual placement and reduces storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets are designed to be permanently or semi-permanently attached to the frame, creating a self-service system where the infrastructure for jack attachment is already in place. This eliminates the need for users to manually position and secure jacks each time leveling is required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable brackets are used to distribute lifting force, then the leveling system becomes more versatile and adaptable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets are designed with multiple attachment points and adjustment capabilities that allow them to accommodate different jack positions and vehicle frame configurations. This universal design provides adaptability without requiring multiple specialized bracket types, thereby limiting the increase in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets incorporate adjustable features that allow dynamic repositioning of attachment points along the frame. This adjustability provides versatility for different leveling scenarios while using a single adaptable bracket design rather than multiple fixed designs, controlling the complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle leveling system includes a jack adapted to be mounted to a vehicle frame without modifying the vehicle frame. In a particular embodiment, the jack includes a first bracket adapted to urge against the bottom and side surfaces of a member of the frame and configured to be fastened to a member of the frame through a manufacturer-provided aperture in the frame. The jack additionally includes a second bracket to couple the first bracket to the jack. In a more particular embodiment, the first bracket includes a horizontal adjustment feature, and the second bracket includes a vertical adjustment feature.