Vehicle Jack Positioning Device with Channel and Support Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

The precise positioning of a vehicle jack is often difficult due to the lack of clear visual cues, especially in adverse conditions, leading to potential vehicle damage and operator safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A device with a channel for housing the vehicle jack point and a support member for the jack, which is permanently attached to the vehicle, ensuring accurate and stable jack placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the jack operator relies on visual inspection of the vehicle frame to determine the jack point, then the operator can locate the jack point without additional devices, but the positioning precision is insufficient and safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejack point positioning precisionVSAvoidpositioning device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a positioning device as an intermediary component between the operator and the vehicle frame. This device includes a support member that couples to the jack and a marking member that indicates the precise jack point location on the vehicle frame, thereby mediating the positioning process and improving accuracy without requiring complex systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the operator's subjective visual inspection and manual positioning with an objective mechanical indication system. The marking member provides a clear visual or physical reference that substitutes for the operator's judgment, while the support member provides a mechanical coupling that ensures proper jack alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the jack operator performs visual inspection in adverse conditions (dark, inclement weather), then the operator can attempt to position the jack, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejack positioning reliability in adverse conditionsVSAvoidjack point detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The marking member can be designed with high-visibility colors or reflective properties that make it easily detectable under various lighting conditions. This allows the operator to clearly identify the jack point location even in dark or inclement weather, thereby improving reliability without increasing detection difficulty

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device serves as a reliable intermediary that provides consistent positioning reference regardless of environmental conditions. The marking member and support member work together to provide an objective reference system that is independent of the operator's visual capabilities or environmental lighting conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the jack is positioned at an improper location, then the jack can be operated, but vehicle damage occurs and operator safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle damage and operator injury riskVSAvoidjack point positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device applies preliminary anti-action by providing advance guidance on the correct jack point location before the operator positions the jack. The marking member indicates the precise location in advance, preventing the operator from selecting an improper location that could cause vehicle damage or safety hazards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device acts as a protective intermediary between the operator and the vehicle. By providing clear positioning guidance through the marking member and support member, it prevents harmful actions (improper jack placement) before they can occur, thereby protecting both the vehicle and operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10272887B2Vehicle jack positioning device and methods of making and using the same

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 WOOLARD GARY

AI summary

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a device used to facilitate proper positioning of a vehicle jack beneath a vehicle. Particularly, the disclosed device includes a top face comprising a channel that is permanently attached to a vehicle jack point. The disclosed device further includes a bottom face comprising a support member that is releasably coupled to the receiving member on a vehicle jack. The disclosed device therefore enables a user to properly position a vehicle jack on a vehicle, even when conditions are such to prevent adequate inspection. The disclosed device can therefore be utilized in a manner to assure the safe and positive gripping of the vehicle by the jack during use, thus eliminating the hazards associated with improper positioning.