DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of automobiles industry. More particularly, relates to the raising mechanisms used to raise a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
A vehicle, throughout its complete life cycle, is required to undergo extensive inspections and testing to ensure that components of the vehicle work as per the specifications. The inspections and testing are also useful in detecting and preventing faults within the components. Generally, it is easy to perform inspection of under-hood components, engine components, cabin interiors and the like. However, it is difficult to carry out underbody inspection or inspection of suspension of the vehicle.
Conventional mechanism to carry out underbody inspections includes lifting the vehicle, by driving and positioning the vehicle over a raised block(s), by a skilled driver. The vehicle that is driven on the block(s) needs to be perfectly held on to the block to avoid accidents and/or injuries. Although various other types of jacks or vehicle wheel lifting mechanisms are known in the art, they are very complicated in design and need hydraulics or pneumatics for operation which requires skilled labour and increases overall cost.
There is, therefore, felt a need to alleviate the aforementioned drawbacks, and provide an apparatus for raising a vehicle that facilitates inspection of underbody/suspension components of the vehicles.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus to raise a vehicle that facilitates inspection of underbody/suspension components of vehicles.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus to raise a vehicle that is simple in construction and easy to operate.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages an apparatus for raising a vehicle for inspecting underbody/suspension components of the vehicle. The aparratus comprises a support structure defined by a base, wherein at least one frame structure is configured on the base. The apparatus comprises a hooking element that is fastenable to a wheel of the vehicle to facilitate the lifting of the vehicle at least partially above a ground surface. The apparatus further comprises an actuating assembly that is couplable to the hooking element. The actuating assembly is configured to facilitate displacement of the hooking element operatively vertically for raising the vehicle, when the actuating assembly is actuated.
In an embodiment, the number of the apparatus corresponds to the number of wheels of the vehicle, wherein a combined operation of the apparatuses facilitates lifting of the vehicle completely off the ground surface.
In an embodiment, the actuating assembly comprises a mounting block configured on an operative top surface of the frame structure, wherein a through-hole is configured centrally on the mounting block. The actuating assembly further comprises a threaded shaft fitted within the through-hole of the mounting block. An actuating wheel is in threadable engagement with the threaded shaft, wherein a rotation of the actuating wheel causes a linear displacement of the threaded shaft along the longitudinal axis of the support structure.
In an embodiment, a wire hoop is configured at an operative end of the threaded shaft, wherein the hooking element is hooked to the wire hoop, thereby facilitating the displacement of the hooking element.
In an embodiment, the hooking element is a pipe, wherein the pipe is fastenable to the wheel of the vehicle.
In accordance with yet another embodiment the apparatus of the present disclosure further comprises a table which is slid operatively below the wheel of the vehicle, when the wheel is raised.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The fixture of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an apparatus to raise a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 3 illustrates another isometric view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND DRAWING
100 – Apparatus
102 – Support structure
104 – Base
106 – Frame structure
108 – Hooking element
110 – Actuating assembly
112 – Mounting block
114 – Threaded shaft
116 – Actuating wheel
118 – Wire hoop
120 – Table
200 – Vehicle
202 – Wheel
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Traditionally, to ensure that components of a vehicle work as per the specifications, the vehicle is required to undergo extensive inspections and testing. Generally, it is easy to perform inspection of under-hood components, engine components, cabin interiors and the like. However, to carry out underbody inspection or inspection of suspension of the vehicle is tedious task.
Conventional mechanisms to carry out underbody inspections include lifting the vehicle, by driving and positioning the vehicle over a raised block(s), by a skilled driver. Further, the vehicle that is driven on the block(s) needs to be held on to the block to avoid accidents and/or injuries. Conventional mechanisms for lifting the vehicle are complicated in design and need hydraulics or pneumatics for operation which requires skilled labour and increases the overall cost. In order to overcome the drawbacks associated with the conventional mechanism, the present disclosure envisages an apparatus for raising a vehicle that facilitates inspection of underbody/suspension components of the vehicles. Furthermore, the apparatus of the present disclosure is simple in construction and easy to operate.
In certain conditions, for example for a vehicle underbody measurement/inspection, the vehicle is required to be raised to a particular height so as to measure gaps between suspension parts, examine fouling of parts, and the like. The apparatus of the present disclosure enables a single operator to safely raise the vehicle to a desired height as per the application requirement.
The present disclosure envisages an apparatus 100 for raising a vehicle 200 (hereinafter referred as “apparatus”). The apparatus 100, of the present disclosure, is hereinafter described with reference to figure 1 through figure 3.
The apparatus 100 comprises a support structure 102 defined by a base 104 and at least one frame structure 106. The at least one frame structure 106 is configured on the base 104 of the support structure 102. In an embodiment, the support structure 102 is constructed of a plurality of tubular beams or frame structures joined at their ends to form a unitary support structure 102. In an embodiment, the frame structure 106 is hollow, thin-walled, and is resilient to withstand load.
Further, the apparatus 100 includes a hooking element 108 fastenable to a wheel 202 of the vehicle 200, wherein the hooking element 108 is configured to facilitate the lifting of the vehicle 200 at least partially above a ground surface. In an embodiment, the hooking element 108 is a pipe, wherein an operative end of the pipe is fastened to the wheel 202 of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the pipe is made of any metal or any suitable non-metallic material. In another embodiment, the pipe can be fastened to the wheel 202 by means of nut and bolt assembly.
Further, an actuating assembly 110 is coupled to the hooking element 108, wherein the actuating assembly 110 is configured to displace the hooking element along a longitudinal axis of the support structure 102 for raising the vehicle 200, when the actuating assembly 110 is actuated.
In an embodiment, the number of the apparatuses 100 required to lift the vehicle 200 completely off the ground surface corresponds to the number of wheels 202 of the vehicle 200, wherein the lifting of the vehicle 200 is carried out by a combined operation of the apparatuses 100.
In an embodiment, the actuating assembly 110 comprises a mounting block 112 configured on an operative top surface of the frame structure 106. The mounting block 112 has a through-hole configured at the center. In an embodiment, the configuration of the mounting block 112 is cylindrical.
Further, the actuating assembly 110 includes a threaded shaft 114 fitted within the through-hole configured on the mounting block 112. The threaded shaft 114 is mounted vertically on the frame structure 106 longitudinal to the axis of the support structure 102. An actuating wheel 116 is mounted above the operative top surface of the mounting block 112, wherein the actuating wheel 116 is in threadable engagement with the threaded shaft 114. More specifically, the actuating wheel 116 has internal threads that are complementary to the external threads of the threaded shaft 114.
The threaded shaft 114 and the actuating wheel 116 are mounted on the support structure 102. The internal threads of the actuating wheel 116 are in threadable engagement with the external threads of the threaded shaft 114. In an operative configuration, when the actuating wheel 116 is rotated, the threaded shaft 114 is displaced along the longitudinal axis of the support structure 102 based on the direction of rotation of the actuating wheel 116. Further, a wire hoop 118 is configured at an operative end of the threaded shaft 114, wherein the hooking element 108 is hooked to the wire hoop 118 for facilitating the displacement of the hooking element 108, and as such, facilitating the vertical displacement of the wheel 202. In an embodiment, the threaded shaft 114 comprises a screw (not shown in the figures) to facilitate upward and downward movement of the wire hoop 118.
In an operative configuration, during inspection of the vehicle 200 (for example, inspection of suspension assembly), the hooking element 108 is fastenable with the wheel 202 of the vehicle 200 through nut and bolt assembly. The vehicle 200 is then held in a proper position where the hooking element 108 is aligned and hooked with the wire hoop 118 attached to the threaded shaft 114. The actuating wheel 116, in threadable engagement with the threaded shaft 114 is then rotated to raise or lower the vehicle 200. Once the vehicle 200 is adjusted to a desired height, different inspections can be carried out to ensure gap, fitness, fouling of the components, and the like. In this embodiment, the apparatus 100 uses threaded mechanism. In another embodiment, the apparatus 100 uses rack and pinion mechanism to raise or lower the vehicle 200. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus 100 raises the vehicle 200 gradually up to 225 mm.
Further, the apparatus 100 comprises a table 120 configured to be slid operatively below the wheel 202 of the vehicle 200 when the wheel 202 is lifted for a safe operation. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 is made of any material which possesses the characteristics of steel.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of an apparatus to raise a vehicle that:
• is simple and easy to operate;
• facilitates inspection of underbody/suspension components of vehicles;
• can lift the vehicle wheels gradually; and
• facilitates of lifting front and rear wheels at different heights.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM
1. An apparatus (100) for raising a vehicle (200), said apparatus (100) comprising:
a support structure (102) defined by a base (104) and at least one frame structure (106) configured on said base (104);
a hooking element (108) fastenable to a wheel (202) of said vehicle (200) for facilitating the lifting of said vehicle (200) at least partially above a ground surface; and
an actuating assembly (110) couplable to said hooking element (108) to facilitate displacement of said hooking element (108) operatively vertically for raising said vehicle (200), when said actuating assembly (110) is actuated.
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the number of said apparatus (100) corresponds to the number of wheels of said vehicle (200), and wherein a combined operation of said apparatuses (100) facilitates lifting the vehicle (200) completely off the ground surface.
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating assembly (110) comprises:
a mounting block (112) configured on an operative top surface of said frame structure (106), said mounting block (112) having a through-hole configured centrally;
a threaded shaft (114) fitted within said through-hole;
an actuating wheel (116) in threadable engagement with said threaded shaft (114), wherein a rotation of said actuating wheel (116) causes a linear displacement of said threaded shaft (114) along said longitudinal axis of said support structure (102); and
a wire hoop (118) configured at an operative end of said threaded shaft (114), wherein said hooking element (108) is hooked to said wire hoop (118) for facilitating displacement of said hooking element (108).
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hooking element (108) is a pipe, said pipe being fastenable to said wheel (202).
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a table (120), said table (120) configured to be slid operatively below the wheel (202) of said vehicle (200), when said wheel (202) is raised.