Vehicle Jack Extension Element for Obstruction Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle jacks often interfere with obstructions such as assist steps on vehicles, making it difficult to lift the vehicle without modifying the obstruction or the jack.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle jack design featuring a lift element with an extension element that provides a stable interface, allowing the jack to operate without interference from obstructions by adjusting its position relative to the lift element, and an adapter that can be attached to the jack to secure the extension element to the lift plate, ensuring a stable lift even with obstructions present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional vehicle jack is used to lift a vehicle, then the jack can perform the lifting function, but the jack interferes with obstructions such as assist steps on the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extension element that protrudes laterally from the lift element, changing the spatial arrangement from a single-point contact to an extended contact surface. This dimensional change allows the jack to clear obstructions like assist steps while maintaining the lifting function, as the extension element can engage with the vehicle frame at a location that avoids interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension element acts as an intermediary between the lift element and the vehicle frame. It transfers the lifting force from the jack while providing a geometric bridge that avoids obstructions. The extension element's specific geometry (protruding portion) mediates the interaction between the jack system and the vehicle, allowing force transmission without interference from assist steps or other obstructions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the jack structure is modified to avoid obstructions, then interference is reduced, but the complexity of the jack structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jack structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: the lift element (scissor mechanism), the extension element (protruding portion), and the attachment interface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the lift element provides mechanical advantage while the extension element handles obstruction avoidance, simplifying the overall design compared to a completely redesigned jack structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension element serves multiple functions: it extends the reach to clear obstructions, provides a stable contact surface for force transmission, and can be integrated with existing lift element designs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity while still solving the obstruction interference problem.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an extension element is added to the lift element, then obstruction interference is avoided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension element is merged with the lift element through direct attachment or integration, combining the lifting function and obstruction-clearing function into a single unified component. This merging approach avoids the need for separate auxiliary devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving the goal of avoiding obstruction interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle jack includes a lift element, an operative element operably connected to the lift element to transition the lift element from a first position to a second position, where the first position differs in elevation from the second position, and an extension element affixed to the lift element. The extension element has a bottom side that establishes a stable interface with the lift element.