Trailer Axle Jack Stand Base With Traction Spikes and Pivot Lift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trailer axle jack stands lack sufficient traction and stability, risking slippage and unexpected lowering of lifted vehicles, which poses hazards during maintenance or repairs.

Innovation Solution

A trailer axle jack stand with a base plate featuring an arcuate front portion with protruding traction spikes and a U-shaped rear portion, combined with an upstanding support member, locking pin aperture, and a detachable enlarged base member for enhanced stability and traction, along with a cleat system for improved engagement in various conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional jack stand with a flat base plate is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the traction is insufficient causing slippage on uneven or slippery surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetractionVSAvoidbase plate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate incorporates protruding traction spikes at the front portion to provide enhanced grip on the ground, while maintaining a simple flat structure for the rest of the base plate. This localized modification improves traction without significantly increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The front portion of the base plate is designed with an arcuate (curved) shape rather than a straight edge, allowing the traction spikes to better conform to uneven ground surfaces and improve contact area for enhanced stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If a jack stand with basic support structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the stability is insufficient risking unexpected lowering of lifted vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidsupport structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple functional segments: an upstanding support member for vertical loading, a prone support member for lateral bracing, and a rear support member forming a triangular configuration. This segmentation provides enhanced stability through geometric distribution of forces while keeping each individual component relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking pin aperture is positioned on the upstanding support member to receive a locking pin that secures the cradle support member in place before the vehicle is fully supported, preventing any unexpected movement or lowering during the lifting operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed cradle support member is used, then the structure is simpler, but the adaptability to different vehicle types and conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecradle compatibilityVSAvoidcradle support system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle support member is designed as a telescopic assembly that can extend and retract to accommodate different vehicle heights and types. The telescopic capability is controlled by a locking mechanism using pins that engage with apertures at different positions, providing adaptability while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cradle support member serves multiple functions: it provides the primary lifting surface for the vehicle axle, acts as a structural brace when telescoped to different lengths, and incorporates locking apertures that can engage at various heights. This multi-functionality increases versatility without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design provides improved traction and stability, preventing slippage and ensuring the safety of maintenance activities by maintaining the lifted vehicle securely in place, even on uneven or slippery surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

The front portion of the base plate has a plurality of traction members, such as removable protruding spikes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

protruding traction spikes for biting into the ground to prevent slippage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

The upstanding support member has a locking pin aperture for receipt of a locking pin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

a removable upright cradle support member is telescopically received within a central bore of the upstanding support member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTelescopic mechanism: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 5

a rear support member, such as a V-shaped support member that is angled downwardly, is connected between the upstanding support member and the rear portion of the base plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriangulation: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS9494275B2Trailer axle jack stand
Publication Date: 2016.11.15 CRUMP DAVID
  • US9494275B2 patent drawing
  • US9494275B2 patent drawing
  • US9494275B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The trailer axle jack stand relates generally to a trailer axle jack stand for lifting a recreational vehicle, boat, trailer, military equipment, and the like, off the ground, such as for use in changing flat tires, thrown tracks or other repair of the vehicle. The jack stand includes an upstanding support member that is adjustable in height and terminates with a cradle capable of engaging an axle of the vehicle. The jack stand includes a base having a generally arcuate front portion that allows the jack stand to pivot in order to raise the vehicle.