Trailer Jack Foot Adjustment Device with Screw and Pawl Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer jacks lack efficient mechanisms for fine and gross height adjustments, which are essential for precise positioning and ease of use, particularly in supporting the tongue end of a trailer.
Innovation Solution
A jack foot adjustment device that incorporates a hand-cranked vertical screw for fine height adjustment and a spring-loaded pawl mechanism for gross height adjustment, allowing for both precise and rapid changes in height using a combination of manual cranking and foot-operated mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hand-cranked vertical screw mechanism is used for fine height adjustment, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: a hand-cranked vertical screw for fine adjustment and a spring-loaded pawl-rack system for gross adjustment. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific purpose, with the screw providing precise positioning and the pawl-rack providing rapid coarse movement, thereby achieving high positioning precision without requiring a single overly complex mechanism to handle both functions.
2Productivity
If a spring-loaded pawl mechanism is used for gross height adjustment, then adjustment speed is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is divided into two distinct mechanisms with clearly defined roles: the spring-loaded pawl-rack mechanism handles gross height adjustments with rapid movement, while the hand-cranked screw mechanism handles fine-tuning for precise positioning. This segmentation allows the pawl mechanism to operate at high speed for coarse adjustments without compromising overall positioning precision, as the screw mechanism subsequently refines the position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static single-mechanism approach to a dynamic two-stage adjustment process. The spring-loaded pawl enables rapid dynamic adjustment for gross movements, while the hand-cranked screw provides controlled dynamic adjustment for fine positioning. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its adjustment mode based on the required precision and speed needs at different stages of the positioning process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both fine and gross height adjustment mechanisms are integrated, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two distinct adjustment mechanisms (hand-cranked screw and spring-loaded pawl-rack) into a single integrated height adjustment system. The screw mechanism and pawl-rack mechanism are combined on the same jack structure, allowing the user to switch between fine adjustment and gross adjustment modes as needed. This merging provides versatile height adjustment capabilities while maintaining a compact, unified device design rather than requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated adjustment system provides multi-functionality by combining both fine adjustment (via hand-cranked screw) and gross adjustment (via spring-loaded pawl-rack) capabilities in a single device. This universal design allows the jack to handle various adjustment scenarios - from rapid coarse positioning to precise fine-tuning - making the device adaptable to different operational requirements without needing multiple separate mechanisms or tools.
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 precise and efficient height adjustments of the trailer jack, facilitating easier loading and unloading of trailers by providing both fine and gross height adjustments, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The fine height adjustment uses a vertical screw turned by the crank to pull or push an upper foot out of or into the body
Implementation Method 2
The gross height adjustment uses a spring loaded pawl to allow downward movement of a lower foot while preventing upwards movement of the lower foot
Implementation Method 3
The gross height adjustment uses a spring loaded pawl to allow downward movement of a lower foot while preventing upwards movement of the lower foot
Implementation Method 4
pulling up on a release handle and allowing a foot spring pull the lower foot up
Data Source
AI summary
The jack foot adjustment device is a tongue jack for a trailer. The jack foot adjustment device provides both a fine height adjustment accessed by a hand cranked and a gross height adjustment accessed by pushing the foot plate of the device with the user's foot. Retracting the foot plate can be accomplished by turning the hand rack in the opposite direction and/or by pulling the release handle and allowing a foot spring to pull up on the lower foot. The fine height adjustment uses a vertical screw turned by the crank to pull or push an upper foot out of or into the body that is coupled to the trailer. The gross height adjustment uses a spring loaded pawl to allow downward movement of a lower foot while preventing upwards movement of the lower foot unless a handle releases the pawl.