Telescopic Jack with Positionable Clamp and Retainer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jacks are not compact, lightweight, versatile, or easily adjustable for multiple lift points, and lack positive engagement to prevent slipping, especially in varying terrain and vehicle conditions, and are not suitable for repurposed functions like breaching.
Innovation Solution
A jack apparatus with a telescopic design, a selectively positionable clamp assembly, and a drive assembly powered by a battery, featuring a retainer for secure engagement with the object to be lifted, allowing for adjustable lift points and terrain adaptation, and capable of repurposed use as a breaching tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional screw jacks are used for lifting, then lifting force and reliability are improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The jack employs a telescoping body structure with nested tubes (outer tube 32 and inner tube 42) that allow the jack to collapse to a compact size for portability while extending to provide full lifting capability when deployed. This nesting principle enables the jack to maintain high lifting force while minimizing weight and storage size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional jacks are used, then lifting capability is provided, but versatility and adaptability to different lift points are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly (70) is designed to be selectively positionable along the telescoping jack body, allowing dynamic adjustment of the lift point location. This dynamic positioning capability enables the jack to adapt to various vehicle types and lift points without requiring multiple specialized jacks, thereby improving versatility while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
3Reliability
If traditional jacks are used on varying terrain, then lifting can be performed, but stability and prevention of unwanted movement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The jack incorporates a foot assembly (60) that can be selectively positioned and oriented at the lower end of the telescoping body, separate from the clamp assembly. This segmentation allows the foot to be independently adjusted to provide stable grounding on varying terrain surfaces, improving reliability by preventing unwanted jack movement while adapting to different environmental conditions.
4Length of moving object
If jacks are designed for compactness, then portability is improved, but lifting power and structural strength are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping jack body with nested outer tube 32 and inner tube 42 allows the jack to collapse to a compact profile for portability while maintaining the structural integrity and lifting capacity of a full-size jack when extended. The nested design preserves the necessary structural strength throughout the telescoping mechanism.
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 jack apparatus provides versatile, efficient, and safe operation with adjustable lift points, secure engagement, and adaptability to different terrains and vehicle conditions, while also being suitable for repurposed functions like breaching, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a drive assembly located on and within the jack body
Data Source
AI summary
A jack apparatus has a main jack body defined by telescopically engaged outer and inner tubes, a selectively positionable clamp assembly positioned along the jack body for selective engagement with the object to which a force is to be applied, and a drive assembly located on and within the jack body. In a further related aspect a retainer is configured for being mounted on the object to be moved or lifted and for positively engaging a receiver on the clamp assembly so as to effectively lock the jack to the object being lifted such as a vehicle for safe and effective operation.