Spring-Compression Casters for Ergonomic Jackstand Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jackstands are heavy and require suboptimal ergonomic lifting, affecting their ease of use and stability when supporting large automotive loads.
Innovation Solution
A caster assembly with a rotatable shell and spring mechanism that allows for ergonomic placement and stable support, featuring a collar to transfer loads onto a spring, maximizing clearance distance and maintaining stability under varying loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing jackstands are made robust to support large automotive weights, then load capacity and stability are improved, but weight increases and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the load-bearing structure and the ground. The spring absorbs shock and reduces the effective weight during movement, while the robust jackstand structure maintains full load capacity when stationary. This mediator allows the system to exhibit both heavy-duty strength and easier handling characteristics at different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The jackstand incorporates a spring-loaded base that dynamically adjusts to terrain variations and load changes. The spring mechanism provides dynamic response to impact forces during placement and removal, reducing the effort required by the user while maintaining stable support when positioned. The system transitions between static load-bearing mode and dynamic shock-absorption mode.
2Strength
If existing jackstands are made robust to support large automotive weights, then load capacity and stability are improved, but mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism serves as a mediator that decouples the heavy load-bearing function from the mobility function. During movement, the spring compresses to absorb impact, making the jackstand easier to maneuver. When stationary, the spring extends to provide stable, rigid support. This intermediary element allows the system to optimize for both mobility and load capacity without compromise.
3Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is added to improve ergonomics and mobility, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jackstand is segmented into distinct functional modules: a robust load-bearing arm structure, a spring mechanism, a base, and a locking system. Each module performs a specific function, allowing for independent optimization and simplifying manufacturing and assembly. The spring mechanism is contained within its own housing, isolating its complexity from the main support structure.
4Ease of operation
If clearance distance is maximized when not subject to load, then ease of placement is improved, but spring displacement increases under load
Solution Approach 1:
The spring's pre-load parameter is optimized to provide maximum clearance distance when unloaded, facilitating easy placement under vehicles. The spring rate is selected to ensure that under maximum load, the displacement remains within acceptable limits while still providing adequate shock absorption. This parameter optimization balances the competing requirements of ease of placement and load support.
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 easy, ergonomic, and stable support of heavy loads without compromising the jackstand's capacity, allowing for efficient movement and secure load transfer even when exceeding the spring's maximum load capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring extending along at least a portion of the stem... The collar is configured to receive a load and transfer the load onto the spring... The spring is maximally displaced when subjected to a load greater than a maximum load for the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A caster having a spring feature configured to compress along the stem of the caster when subject to load. The spring achieves maximum compression when subjected to a maximum specified load value. One or more casters may be used in tandem with a jackstand apparatus. When the jackstand is presented without any additional force, the combined spring force of all casters utilized is sufficient to support the weight of the jackstand without achieving maximum compression. When subject to a sufficiently large additional force, each of the springs will achieve maximum compression, and the jackstand apparatus will interact with the supporting terrain directly, resulting a direct transfer of additional load to the terrain through the jackstand apparatus. Some embodiments may comprise a distinct jackstand and cart configuration. Some embodiments may comprise an integrated configuration.