Utveckling av en säkerhetsfokuserad domkraft

Abstract

The aim of this project is to develop a safer and more efficient car jack that reduces the risk of injury to users and damage to vehicles. The final concept was designed to meet current standards and handle realistic loads, verified through strength calculations and FEM simulations. The development focused on creating a more controlled and predictable lifting motion. Instead of a traditional backward-rotating lift, the new design uses a guided forward motion that improves stability and reduces the risk of slipping or tilting during use. Several design iterations were created, modeled in CAD and tested virtually to evaluate how forces were distributed throughout the structure. Based on these results, each component was adjusted to meet both functional demands and strength requirements. Suitable machine elements such as bolts, screws and bushings were selected and verified. The final design also includes a mechanical height-lock and a basic ground-locking solution with lockable wheels to secure the jack during use. A target lifting force of 15 kN, equivalent to lifting two wheels of a standard passenger car, was chosen to ensure both safety and competitiveness with existing products. This manually operated and mobile jack fills a unique role in the market. Especially as an alternative to hydraulic jacks that cannot be safely locked under load. The forward-directed lifting path is the key innovation which offers a more stable and safer lifting process. The project also highlighted how changes in early design stages significantly impact later calculations and simulations. Although the design meets all main requirements, further development is suggested particularly physical testing to investigate the horizontal forces that may arise during lifting. This would help validate the concept in real-world conditions and guide future improvements.