Trailer Jack with Pin and Threaded Mechanism for Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer jacks require extensive effort and time for height adjustments due to their rigid design and reliance on threaded mechanisms, making it difficult to rapidly hitch and unhitch trailers from towing vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A trailer jack system comprising a collar with a bored hole, an elongated hollow outer member, a threaded bolt, and a hollow housing, allowing for rapid gross and incremental height adjustments through a pin mechanism that aligns with longitudinally aligned holes, enabling secure attachment and vertical adjustment without extensive cranking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a threaded mechanism is used for height adjustment, then the jack can achieve precise incremental adjustments, but the operator effort and time required for adjustments increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment function is segmented into two independent systems: a rapid adjustment mechanism using a pin and multiple longitudinally aligned holes for gross height changes, and a threaded mechanism for precise incremental adjustments. This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The jack transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with multiple adjustment modes. The pin can be rapidly inserted into different holes along the outer member's length, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the jack's height without rotational cranking, thus reducing adjustment time while maintaining precision options.
2Measurement precision
If a threaded mechanism is used for height adjustment, then the jack can achieve precise height control, but the operator effort required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment operation is divided into two distinct phases: gross adjustment via simple pin insertion into pre-drilled holes (minimal effort), and fine adjustment via the threaded mechanism (precise but higher effort). This segmentation reduces overall operator effort by eliminating the need for extensive cranking while preserving precision adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin acts as an intermediary element that enables rapid height changes by engaging with multiple longitudinally aligned holes in the outer member. This intermediary mechanism mediates between the operator and the threaded mechanism, allowing most of the adjustment work to be done without direct operator effort on the threaded components.
3Reliability
If the jack uses a rigid fixed design with threaded mechanism, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the ability to rapidly adjust height is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The jack structure is segmented into a reliable fixed collar attached to the trailer frame and a movable outer member with multiple holes. The pin mechanism provides rapid adjustment capability while the collar and threaded mechanism maintain structural reliability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The jack incorporates dynamic elements (movable outer member, insertable pin) within an otherwise static structure. The outer member can slide through the collar and be secured at different positions, enabling rapid height adjustment while maintaining the reliability of the fixed collar attachment to the trailer frame.
4Measurement precision
If extensive cranking is required for height adjustment, then precise control is achievable, but the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operational process is segmented into two distinct procedures: simple pin insertion for gross adjustment (low complexity) and threaded mechanism operation for fine adjustment (higher precision but more complex). This segmentation reduces overall operational complexity by providing a simple primary adjustment method while preserving precise control capability for final positioning.
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 simplifies height adjustments, reducing operator effort and time by allowing rapid gross and incremental changes, with the pin mechanism enabling secure attachment and detachment above the trailer, reducing complexity and improving ease of use and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded connection proximate to one end enabling the inner member to be threadably connected to the outer member by first inserting the end of the inner member containing the threaded connection in the outer member and engaging the threaded connection with the bolt and, by rotation of the handle, operatively enabling the inner member to be extended or retracted relative to the outer member
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer jack capable of rapid gross and incremental adjustments in height adapted for attachment to a trailer. The jack is comprised of an inner member nested within an outer member, a collar, a housing and a pin. The inner member is threadably connected to the outer member with a bolt having a crank attached at one end. The bolt enables incremental adjustments in the trailer height by extension and retraction of the inner member with respect to the outer member. The connected outer and inner members are secured to the trailer with a pin inserted through the housing, a hole in the collar and one of a plurality of longitudinal holes in the outer member. To create rapid gross adjustments in the trailer height, the pin is retracted, a different hole in the outer member is registered with the hole in the collar and the pin re-inserted.