Snowmobile Air Jack System for Deep Snow Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snowmobiles often become stuck in deep snow due to insufficient traction, requiring manual digging to free them, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automated jacking system using an inflatable airbag, powered by a pneumatic air source and a power source, which lifts the snowmobile by inflating an airbag positioned under the running boards to increase clearance and traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual digging is used to free the snowmobile, then the snowmobile can be freed from stuck position, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical digging process with a pneumatic system. An air compressor delivers compressed air through a hose to inflate an airbag positioned under the snowmobile's running board, using pneumatic force instead of manual labor to lift the vehicle and free it from snow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a pneumatic system consisting of an air compressor, air delivery hose, and inflatable airbag. Compressed air is used to inflate the airbag, which then lifts the snowmobile by applying upward pneumatic force, enabling quick extraction from stuck positions without manual digging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the snowmobile suspension is at maximum extended position, then the snowmobile can travel over deep snow, but the running boards cannot engage suitable surface to generate traction
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system is positioned and ready in advance under the running board. When the snowmobile becomes stuck, the system can immediately inflate the airbag to lift the running board, providing preliminary preparation that enables quick recovery without needing to dig out first.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag acts as an intermediary element between the air compressor and the snowmobile's running board. It transfers the pneumatic force from the compressor to the running board, enabling lift and traction recovery without direct mechanical contact or digging operations.
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 system effectively raises the snowmobile, allowing it to regain traction and be freed from stuck positions with minimal user effort, enhancing mobility in deep snow conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The airbag generally having a surface area and comprising an upper portion and a lower portion... the airbag is inflatable from the collapsed condition to an extended position
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated air jack assembly for a snowmobile for generally lifting the snowmobile from a stuck position to a free position. The assembly including a pair of airbags positioned on an underside of a chassis and coupled to an air source for inflation. In the preferred configuration of the device, the air source is a jet powered fan configured to inflate a first airbag and a second airbag for raising an underside of a chassis of the snowmobile.