Telescoping Jack Stand with Hydraulic Lift Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic jacks often cause automotive vehicle frames with uni-body construction to bend when improperly positioned, and even when positioned correctly, jack stands placed beneath the frame can still result in bending due to improper placement, leading to damage during lifting and lowering operations.
Innovation Solution
A jack stand system with a moveable, elongated column that elevates as the hydraulic jack elevates, featuring a platform for the jack, overhanging member, and ratchet mechanisms to hold the column in selected positions, allowing precise positioning and stacking, and enabling the jack to be removed without damaging the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the jack stand is placed beneath the frame to support the load, then the load can be maintained elevated, but the frame may bend under the weight of the vehicle when the jack stand is improperly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical positioning method (manual placement of jack stand) with a laser-based measurement system. The laser distance meter precisely measures the distance between the jack stand and the frame, enabling accurate positioning that prevents frame bending while maintaining load support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the laser distance meter continuously measures the position of the jack stand relative to the frame, and this measurement information is used to adjust the jack stand position. This closed-loop control ensures the jack stand is positioned correctly to prevent frame bending while supporting the load.
2Ease of operation
If the jack stand is placed next to the elevated jack, then the jack stand position can be determined, but it is no guarantee that it is correctly positioned to avoid bending the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual estimation and manual positioning with an objective laser measurement system. The laser distance meter provides precise numerical data about the jack stand position, eliminating the uncertainty associated with placing the stand 'next to' the jack and ensuring accurate positioning to prevent frame bending.
3Strength
If a conventional jack stand design is used, then the stand can support the load, but the stand cannot be precisely located with respect to the frame to avoid bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a laser distance meter with the conventional jack stand design. This combination maintains the load-bearing capability of the traditional stand while adding precise measurement functionality that enables accurate positioning relative to the frame, preventing frame bending during the lifting operation.
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 system ensures the automotive vehicle frame is not bent during lifting and lowering by allowing precise positioning of the jack stand, enabling multiple stands to be stacked, and facilitating easy storage and use in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulically actuated piston elevates a support column
Data Source
AI summary
A jacking system is disclosed in which a hydraulic jack, having a raisable piston, is used, in combination with a jack stand having a raisable support column, to raise a load. In a preferred embodiment, the support column has two components that may telescope into each other and that may be held in fixed position by two ratchet mechanisms. The jack stand is configured so that, when the hydraulic jack is positioned alongside the jack stand, the piston of the hydraulic jack is able to interact with and raise the support column along with the load.