Vehicle Wheel Maneuvering Aid With Lever-Rod Lifting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle maneuvering aids often require complex hydraulic systems, which are costly to manufacture and require regular maintenance, and do not easily adapt to different wheel sizes or uneven surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A maneuvering aid with a lever-operated mechanism using a smooth rod and sliding elements that moves arms towards each other, featuring a stop mechanism to lift vehicles, allowing adaptation to various wheel sizes and uneven surfaces, and utilizing a frictional connection for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a hydraulic mechanism is used to move the arms toward each other, then the lifting force and control are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting forceVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with a purely mechanical lever and rod system. The lever (20) with extension (24) engages the sliding element (50), which clamps onto the rod (40) to move it step-by-step. This mechanical substitution eliminates hydraulic fluid, pumps, and valves while achieving the same arm movement and lifting function through mechanical advantage and friction-based clamping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic system entirely from the maneuvering aid. By taking out the hydraulic mechanism, the invention eliminates the associated complexity, manufacturing cost, and maintenance requirements while retaining the essential function of moving the arms toward each other to lift the vehicle wheel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Force

If a hydraulic system is used, then the lifting capability is achieved, but maintenance requirements and reliability decrease due to hydraulic oil leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the unreliable hydraulic system with a reliable mechanical system. The lever-operated sliding element that clamps onto the rod provides a maintenance-free mechanical connection. This eliminates hydraulic oil leakage issues and improves reliability while maintaining the lifting capability through mechanical advantage and friction-based force transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If the arms are moved toward each other using a complex mechanism, then the lifting force increases, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting forceVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuous useful action by designing the lever (20) to directly engage the sliding element (50) that moves the rod (40). Each depression of the lever produces immediate step-by-step movement of the rod, which continuously moves the arms toward each other. This direct mechanical connection maintains ease of operation while achieving the necessary lifting force through the mechanical advantage of the lever system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Manufacturing precision

If the rod is clamped at the end of stroke using a stop device, then the lifting precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting precisionVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by designing the stop device (60) to automatically engage and clamp the rod (40) at the end of its stroke. The stop device self-activates when the rod reaches its travel limit, providing precise positioning without requiring additional control mechanisms or increasing overall system complexity. This automatic clamping ensures lifting precision while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides a reliable, stable, and flexible maneuvering aid that can lift heavy loads with minimal force, adapting to different wheel sizes and uneven surfaces without the need for complex hydraulics, ensuring robust and efficient vehicle maneuvering.

Implementation Method 1

When pushed forward, the sliding element is coupled to the rod by friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

After each stroke, the lever returns to its original position, preferably by means of a spring. The sliding element also returns, preferably by spring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the stop element prevents the rod from moving backward when the vehicle is lifted by means of a clamping connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4464521B1Maneuvering aid for vehicles
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 WSENG
  • EP4464521B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4464521B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4464521B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a maneuvering aid for vehicles, comprising wheels and two arms that can be moved towards each other. The arms can be positioned laterally under a vehicle wheel, and the vehicle wheel can be lifted by moving the arms towards each other. The arms can be moved towards each other by means of a lever. The arms can be moved towards each other by means of a mechanism comprising a rod that can be moved incrementally by means of a sliding element engaging the rod and can be locked in place by means of a stop element.