Support Jack Foot Sensor for Reproducible Load Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support jacks lack reproducible force measurement capabilities, leading to unreliable indication of load stability and inability to quantify forces transmitted to the ground, which is crucial for safe parking and load distribution assessment of trailers and semi-trailers.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a force measuring element, such as piezoelectric or capacitive sensors, attached to the foot receiving element within the support jack, allowing for precise detection of deformations and quantitative measurement of forces, thereby determining the trailer's weight and potential overloading or uneven load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring element and mechanical button switching element are used to indicate load position, then the support jack can indicate when extended, but the spring element does not deliver reproducible values after frequent load changes and triggers the switching element even if force is applied too low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring element and button switching system with an electronic force measuring element (sensor) that directly measures the force applied to the support jack. This sensor-based system eliminates the unreliable mechanical deformation indication while providing accurate, reproducible force measurements even after frequent load changes.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical button switching element is used, then the support jack can indicate loaded position, but the support load indicator cannot be used to make quantitative statements about the forces transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the qualitative mechanical button switch with a quantitative electronic force sensor that provides precise force measurements. The sensor generates electrical signals proportional to the applied force, enabling both indication and quantitative assessment of the forces transmitted by the support jack.
3Strength
If the foot receiving element is firmly connected to the inner tube to stiffen it, then structural strength is improved, but the force measuring element requires precise attachment to detect deformation accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated mounting structure or interface between the foot receiving element and the inner tube that serves as an intermediary for attaching the force measuring element. This intermediary structure provides precise attachment points while maintaining the overall structural strength and stiffness of the inner tube assembly.
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 both qualitative and quantitative assessment of load stability, ensuring safe parking and load distribution by providing accurate and reproducible force measurements, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
These are, for example, piezoelectric sensors that detect the change in electrical polarization and thus the occurrence of an electrical voltage on solid bodies when they are elastically deformed
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively, capacitive sensors can also be used
Data Source
AI summary
A support jack including a support foot and a force measuring element, wherein the support jack has an outer tube and an inner tube movably mounted therein, and the support foot the force measuring element is attached to the foot receiving element is pivotally secured to the inner tube by a foot receiving element. The support allows a quantitative and reproducible measurement of the forces transmitted by the support jack to the underlying surface. This is achieved in that the force measuring element is attached to the foot receiving element.