Vehicle Jack Adapters for Multi-Vehicle Lift Point Compatibility

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor jacks are not compatible with different vehicle types due to varying lift points, necessitating multiple jacks for each vehicle type, which is costly.

Innovation Solution

Development of jack adapters with specific designs, such as pinch weld adapters and cylindrical adapters, that fit different vehicle types by utilizing semi-circular protrusions, tabs, and alignment pins to secure onto the lifting components of jacks, allowing a single jack to be used with multiple vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple floor jacks with different configurations are used for different vehicle types, then each vehicle can be lifted effectively, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle compatibilityVSAvoidjack configuration variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a universal floor jack base and separate vehicle-specific adapters. The adapter handles the vehicle-specific interface requirements while the main jack remains standardized, allowing modular configuration without redesigning the entire jack system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single universal floor jack design serves multiple vehicle types by combining with different adapters. The adapter provides the vehicle-specific interface (pinch weld, body-on-frame, unibody) while the main jack performs the lifting function, achieving multi-functionality through combination rather than multiple specialized jacks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple floor jacks with different configurations are used for different vehicle types, then each vehicle can be lifted effectively, but the cost increases due to purchasing and storing multiple jacks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of jacks required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal floor jack design serves multiple vehicle types by combining with different adapters. The adapter provides the vehicle-specific interface (pinch weld, body-on-frame, unibody) while the main jack performs the lifting function, achieving multi-functionality through combination rather than multiple specialized jacks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the universal floor jack and the vehicle. It translates the standardized jack interface into vehicle-specific attachment points, enabling one jack to service multiple vehicle types without direct modification of the jack itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single floor jack is used with different adapters for different vehicles, then compatibility with multiple vehicle types is achieved, but the adapter design and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejack compatibilityVSAvoidadapter production

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a universal floor jack base and separate vehicle-specific adapters. The adapter handles the vehicle-specific interface requirements while the main jack remains standardized, allowing modular configuration without redesigning the entire jack system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12630399B2Jack adapters

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 PRO EAGLE LLC

AI summary

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to jack adapters that can improve compatibility of, e.g., floor jacks so that those floor jacks can be used with a wide variety of vehicles that have different jack compatibility requirements. A pinch weld adapter is contemplated, along with an adapter configured to lift some Rivian vehicles, and an adapter that is configured to operate with a jack extender to lift some GM vehicles.