Slide Forward Bridge Biasing for Commercial Lift Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-part jacking systems for lifting vehicles face issues with reliability and durability, particularly in commercial applications, due to the short life of leveling pads and frusta-conical roller bearings, and require improvements in the slide forward bridge mechanism and safety mechanisms to ensure efficient operation and safety.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates improved leveling pads with U-shaped designs and cylindrical roller bearings, a slide forward bridge mechanism biased by tension springs for precise alignment and durability, and a safety mechanism to secure lift arms during hydraulic pressure decay, along with a mobile rack for efficient transportation of jack stands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional leveling pads and frusta-conical roller bearings are used in the two-part jacking system, then the system can be manufactured with simpler materials and processes, but the reliability and durability deteriorate due to short life of these components under commercial loading conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the leveling pads from flat to contoured surfaces, and modifies the roller bearing configuration from frusta-conical to cylindrical with specific diameter ratios. These parameter changes enable the components to distribute loads more effectively, extending their service life under commercial loading conditions while maintaining manufacturability through standard forming and machining processes
2Productivity
If the power unit is designed to carry only one or two jack stands, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to frequent reloading operations needed for multiple stands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base of the power unit into multiple compartments or zones that can accommodate multiple jack stands simultaneously. This segmentation allows the power unit to service multiple vehicle corners or multiple vehicles in sequence without reloading, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular compartment design
3Adaptability or versatility
If a bridge mechanism is added to enable the power unit to function as a hydraulic floor jack, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the bridge mechanism with universal functionality that enables the power unit to operate both as a two-part jacking system and as a traditional hydraulic floor jack. The bridge incorporates standardized interfaces and control mechanisms that allow it to perform multiple functions, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity through multi-purpose component design rather than separate dedicated mechanisms for each function
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 enhanced system provides a reliable and durable solution with extended use capacity, precise alignment, and improved safety features, ensuring efficient operation and reduced maintenance needs for commercial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The bridge is biased in the forwardly direction along the slide rails by a rectangular pusher frame... A pair of tension springs biasing the bridge in the forwardly direction
Data Source
AI summary
A bridge traverses along lift arms of a power unit, having leveling pads with inner rectangular plates and roller bearings; and each lift arms has an inner slide plate. The bridge has the general shape of a rectangular block and has a first longitudinal recess in each side, having a width slightly larger than the width of the slide rail, and a depth equal to the thickness of the slide rail. The bridge has a second longitudinal recess in each side having a width slightly larger than the diameter of the roller bearings and a depth slightly larger than the thickness of the roller bearings. The bridge is biased in the forwardly direction along the slide rails by a rectangular pusher frame. The pusher frame has a pair of side plates, with each outer side having a longitudinal recess therein slightly larger than the width of the slide rail and a depth equal to the thickness of the slide rail. The pusher frame includes a pair of tension springs having one end connected to the forward end of the lift arm and the other end connected to the rear plate of the pusher frame, to bias the frame in the forward direction.