Telescoping Jack Multi-Actuator Lifting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single cylinder jacks used for lifting large capacity trucks are inefficient, unsafe, and unstable, requiring operators to be in hazardous positions, taking a long time to operate, and prone to freezing in cold climates.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping jack with a top plate, intermediate plate, and base plate, operated by pairs of actuators and locking assemblies, allowing remote control and multiple locking points for safe and efficient lifting of large capacity trucks, featuring a low profile and high lifting capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cylinder jack is used to lift large capacity trucks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operator safety deteriorates due to the need to position oneself under the lifted truck
Solution Approach 1:
The single cylinder jack is divided into a first pair of actuators coupled between the base plate and intermediate plate, and a second pair of actuators coupled between the intermediate plate and top plate. This segmentation allows the lifting function to be distributed across multiple actuators, enabling remote operation and eliminating the need for operators to position themselves under the lifted truck, thereby improving safety without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a single cylinder jack is used to lift large capacity trucks, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity deteriorates as it can only lift one point or corner at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The jack is segmented into multiple actuators (first pair and second pair) that can simultaneously lift multiple points of the truck. This allows the entire front or rear of the truck to be lifted at once rather than one corner at a time, significantly improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through coordinated actuator control.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple actuators are combined to work simultaneously on different lifting points. The first pair of actuators and second pair of actuators operate together to lift the top plate and intermediate plate, enabling multi-point lifting that increases productivity while keeping the operation process unified and simple.
3Device complexity
If a single cylinder jack is used to lift large capacity trucks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability deteriorates when the lifted truck or load becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The jack structure is segmented into a base plate, intermediate plate with channel, and top plate, with actuators distributed at different levels. This segmentation provides multiple support points and improves stability when lifting the entire front or rear of the truck, preventing the load from becoming unstable while avoiding excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate plate with its channel structure adds a dimensional element to the jack design, allowing for better load distribution and stability. The channel in the intermediate plate provides structural reinforcement and enables the actuators to be positioned optimally, improving overall stability without significantly increasing complexity.
4Ease of operation
If existing jacks are used in cold climates, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates as the airline may freeze up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the airline-driven mechanical system with an actuator system that is not susceptible to freezing. The first and second pairs of actuators use a mechanical or hydraulic system that does not rely on pneumatic lines, eliminating the freezing problem in cold climates while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A jack, comprising: a top plate adapted to contact a load; an intermediate plate positioned below the top plate, the intermediate plate having a channel formed therein; a base plate positioned below the intermediate plate; a first pair of actuators coupled between the base plate and the intermediate plate, one of the first pair of actuators positioned on either side of the channel; and, a second pair of actuators coupled between the channel of the intermediate plate and the top plate; wherein the first and second pairs of actuators are operable to move the top plate and the intermediate plate between respective lowered positions and respective raised positions to thereby lower and raise the load.