Three-Stage Jack Stand With Integrated Power Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing consumer lifting devices face manufacturing and assembly challenges due to intricate designs, high scrap rates, and reliability issues, particularly with lift arms and slide-forward bridges, and have limited elevation range, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A three-stage jack stand with robust components, including a rectangular base plate, telescopically arranged ratchet shafts, and a tubular shaft with ratchet teeth, along with a reliable automatic-slide-forward-bridge assembly and consumer power unit, designed for easy assembly and extended elevation, using strong materials and simplified manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If commercial two part jacking system with power unit and separate mechanical jack stands is used, then lifting capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase due to many castings and machined parts requiring welding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power unit and jack stand into a single integrated lifting device. The power unit is mounted directly on the jack stand base, eliminating the need for separate components and welding operations. This merging reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the lifting capability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The jack stand base serves multiple functions: it provides the foundation for the power unit, acts as the lifting platform, and incorporates the ratchet mechanism for height adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly steps.
2Strength
If commercial two part jacking system is used, then lifting function is provided, but production cost increases due to welding and machining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is segmented into modular components that can be manufactured separately using simpler processes and then assembled without welding. The power unit, jack stand base, and ratchet mechanism are designed as discrete modules that connect through mechanical interfaces, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, less expensive materials and manufacturing methods for non-critical components. By using standardized fasteners, stamped metal parts, and molded plastic components instead of expensive castings and machined parts, the overall production cost is reduced while the lifting function remains effective.
3Strength
If traditional jack stand design is used, then basic lifting support is provided, but elevation range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The jack stand incorporates a telescopic structure where the lifting column is nested within the base. This allows the column to extend vertically to provide greater elevation range while retracted, it maintains a compact profile. The nested design enables extended height adjustment without compromising the structural support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of the lifting column height to multiple positions. The column can be extended or retracted and locked at various elevations, providing a range of lifting heights rather than a fixed position. This dynamic adjustability expands the elevation range while maintaining stable lifting support at each position.
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 solution provides a durable, reliable, and efficient lifting system with reduced production costs, improved assembly reliability, and increased elevation range, addressing the limitations of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
a second stage ratchet shaft (156) having ratchet teeth (164) on forward edges of the sides
Implementation Method 2
a third stage tubular shaft (178) having ratchet teeth (185) in the left and right sides
Data Source
AI summary
A three stage jack stand has a base plate, and includes a first stage tubular rectangular housing. A second stage “U” shaped ratchet shaft has ratchet teeth on the forward edges, and is telescopically positioned in the housing. An upper base is attached to the ratchet shaft having a lower portion also extendable and retractable within the housing; and having a vertical cylindrical opening. A third stage tubular shaft has ratchet teeth in the left and right sides, and is telescopically positioned within the opening in the upper base, and has a lift collar mounted on the upper end. The tubular shaft is automatically controlled by a pair of pivotal upper dogs. The dogs have upper ends biased into a tooth of the tubular shaft, and have inclined lower ends that pivot the upper ends into disengagement when the lower ends are within the tubular housing. The second-stage ratchet shaft is controlled by a pair of pivotal lower pawls aligned with the teeth on the edges of the ratchet shaft, and is actuated by a spring handle.