Reversible Trailer Jack Support Inserts for Anti-Sinking Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer support structures are inadequate for stabilizing jack posts and wheels when trailers are uncoupled from towing vehicles, often leading to sinking into the ground, and existing stabilizing accessories are inconvenient, prone to loss, and lack flexibility to accommodate various jack geometries.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with a base and reversible, invertible inserts that can adjust to different configurations, including extending above or below the base, to provide stable support for various trailer types and jack geometries, and can be stacked for increased stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional jack posts or stands are simply rested on bare ground, then the structure is simple and easy to use, but the jack post sinks into the ground over time making it difficult to reattach the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple components: a base portion that contacts the ground, vertical support members that provide height, and a top portion that interfaces with the jack post. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is positioned and stabilized on the ground before the trailer jack is attached to it. The base is placed on a stable surface, and the vertical supports are secured to prevent sinking, creating a prepared stable platform before the trailer weight is transferred to it.
2Reliability
If stabilizing accessories like wood blocks or cinder blocks are carried in the towing vehicle, then some stabilization capability is provided, but the accessories are inconvenient, prone to loss or damage, and consume storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure integrates multiple functions into a single unit: the base provides ground contact and stability, the vertical supports provide height adjustment, and the top portion interfaces with the jack post. This merged design eliminates the need for separate stabilizing accessories like wood blocks or cinder blocks that must be carried in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to be self-contained and self-supporting. The base portion with its wide footprint and potential anchoring features stabilizes itself on the ground without requiring external blocks or stands. The structure serves its own stabilization needs, eliminating the requirement for additional accessories that consume storage space and are prone to loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing stabilizing accessories are used, then single-type jack geometry is accommodated, but the accessories lack flexibility to stabilize or support more than one type of jack post, jack wheel or plate jack stand
Solution Approach 1:
The top portion of the support structure is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate various jack post geometries including round posts, square posts, and different diameters. The vertical support members can be adjusted in height and position to work with different jack types, making the structure versatile enough to support multiple trailer and jack configurations without requiring multiple specialized accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable elements such as movable vertical support members and reconfigurable top portions that can adapt their position and configuration based on the specific jack geometry being supported. This dynamic adjustability allows the same structure to accommodate different jack types while maintaining stability, rather than requiring fixed, geometry-specific accessories.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure has a base with a top and recesses. Inserts are mounted in respective ones of the recesses. Each insert has a protrusion that extends from the insert. The inserts are reversible and invertible. The inserts include: a first configuration where the protrusions extend above the top of the base and are located in a first position; a second configuration where the protrusions extend above the top of the base and are located in a second position that differs from the first position; and a third configuration where the protrusions extend into the recesses below the top of the base such that the inserts are flush with the top of the base.