Support Jack Load Indicator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing landing gear systems lack the ability to provide real-time feedback on support load, making it difficult for operators to ensure secure footing, leading to potential vehicle tipping due to inadequate ground support.
Innovation Solution
A support winch with a pressure element comprising a spring and switching mechanism that triggers a signal when a predetermined support force is reached, allowing operators to visually confirm adequate support and prevent tipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support jack is extended to provide support force, then the vehicle stability is improved, but the operator cannot determine whether adequate support force is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through a pressure element (spring element) that provides visual feedback to the operator. When the support jack reaches the predetermined support force, the spring element is compressed and triggers a switching element, which generates a visual signal (e.g., LED indicator) to indicate that adequate support force has been achieved. This resolves the information loss by providing real-time feedback on the support force status.
2Force
If the support jack is extended on soft ground, then the support force increases, but the support jack may sink too far into the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure element provides continuous visual feedback during the extension process, allowing the operator to monitor the support force in real-time. When the predetermined support force is reached (even if the jack has sunk into soft ground), the switching element triggers a visual signal to alert the operator to stop extension. This prevents excessive sinking while maintaining adequate support force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-compressed to a predetermined extent during manufacturing or assembly, establishing a predetermined support force threshold before operation. This preliminary action ensures that the switching element is positioned to trigger at the correct support force level, providing automatic control without requiring operator calculation or judgment.
3Device complexity
If no support force is introduced into the ground, then the support jack remains retracted, but the operator cannot detect this unsafe condition
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure element and switching element create a feedback system that provides visual feedback in both safe and unsafe conditions. When no support force is applied, the spring element remains in its uncompressed state and the switching element indicates this condition through the absence of a visual signal (or through a specific indicator state). This allows the operator to easily detect unsafe conditions without adding complex sensing systems.
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 operators to extend the support jack until a secure load is achieved, preventing sinking into soft ground and ensuring stable vehicle positioning, with optional integration of a tilt indicator for precise horizontal alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (6) which is between the bearing plate (8) and the bearing ring (10) is arranged, the spring element being designed for a basic force
Implementation Method 2
a pressure element (5) triggering a signal when a predeterminable support force is reached and comprising a spring element (6) and a switching element (7) interacting with it
Data Source
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AI summary
A support jack with a vertically telescopically displaceable supporting element (1) having an outer sleeve (2) and an inner sleeve (3) is described. For the operator, it is sometimes hard to discern whether the support jacks find an adequate abutment on the ground. In an extreme case, the support jack sinks into the ground under the load of the vehicle (14). The vehicle (14) is then no longer adequately supported and can tip over. For this reason, the object of the invention is to develop a support jack in such a way that secure standing is already discernible for the operator during extension of the supporting element. According to the invention, the object is achieved with a support jack in which a supporting load indicator (4) with a pressure element (5) is arranged on the supporting element (1), the pressure element (5) triggering a signal when a predefinable supporting force is reached.