Design of quick jack and push bar using TRIZ principle

Abstract

Formula SAE (FSAE) student competition vehicle requires Quick Jack for lifting the vehicle for maintenance and repair. It also requires push bar for pushing vehicle into inspection bay and repair bay. Both quick jack and push bar have opposite functions. Function of Jack is to prevent vehicle motion where as the function of the push bar is to put the vehicle in motion. The aim was to combine the two functions into one product. This presents a contradiction of functions and separation in space. The paper shows application of TRIZ ideas such as separation in time, separation in space etc. and analysis tools such as function analysis, cause and effect chain analysis and contraction matrix to deliver functional and effective design to combine quick jack and push bar into one product. The result is elegant and simple toggle and lock mechanism which allows to quick jack and push bar into single product which meets both function.