CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive engineering, the quest for safer, more efficient, and
user-friendly tools has been relentless. Among these advancements, the pneumatic car jack
stands out as a prominent example of ingenious engineering that has revolutionized the process
of lifting vehicles for maintenance and repairs. This project delves into the world of a pneumatic
car jack, exploring its design, operation, benefits, and potential applications.
Traditionally, lifting vehicles for service or repairs required considerable physical effort and
often involved the use of mechanical jacks or manual hydraulic variants. These methods, while
effective, were labor-intensive, time-consuming, and posed certain safety risks. However, the
introduction of pneumatic car jacks offered an innovative solution, harnessing the power of
compressed air to streamline the lifting process and enhance the overall user experience. The
fundamental principle behind a pneumatic car jack is based on pneumatics, a branch of
technology that utilizes pressurized gas, typically air, to achieve mechanical motion. By
harnessing the force exerted by compressed air, these jacks can effortlessly raise heavy vehicles,
rendering manual labor almost unnecessary. As a result, automotive technicians can now perform
maintenance tasks more efficiently, reducing downtime and boosting productivity.
Beyond the automotive industry, pneumatic car jacks also find potential applications in various
other fields, such as industrial settings and emergency services. Understanding their adaptability
and versatility in different scenarios will provide valuable insights into the widespread utility of
this technology.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

An automotive jack is a device used to raise all or part of a vehicle into the air in order to
facilitate vehicle maintenances or breakdown repairs. When car get punctured or broke down, we
have to lift it at certain height. Today, we are using hand operated screw jack to lift it. The screw
jack is provided by vehicle manufacturer. To lift vehicle, we have to take it out from vehicle,
place it properly under axle. Then, by using manual force, screw is to be rotated. The virtues of
using a screw as a machine, essentially an inclined plane wound round a cylinder, was first
demonstrated by Archimedes in 200BC with his screw used for pumping water. There is
evidence of the use of screws in the Ancient Roman world but it was the great Leonardo da Vinci
in the late 1400’s who first demonstrated the use of a screw jack for lifting loads. With the
industrial revolution of the late 18th and 19th centuries came the first use of screws in machine
tools from English inventors such as John Wilkinson and Henry Maudsley. The most notable
inventor in mechanical engineering from the early 1800’s was undoubtedly the mechanical
genius Joseph Whitworth. Over the past 60 years, the product has evolved to push, pull, lift,
lower and position loads of anything from a few kilos to hundreds of tons.
 The term pneumatic stands for operations perform using air. The pneumatic jack is the device
which is used to lift the wheel of a vehicle by using pressurized fluid; that is air. Most of the
vehicles are lifted by using screw jack which consumes much human effort and lots of time
while the pneumatic jack saves the user effort to actuate the screw jack, with potentially
increasing speed.
Various types of jacks or lifting devices are available like floor jack, Hydraulic bottle jack,
etc.

1.2 STATEMENT OF RESULT

The use of conventional car jacks for lifting vehicles during maintenance and repair operations
has long been a standard practice. However, this traditional lifting method is not without its
shortcomings and limitations. This study aims to identify and address the following key
problems associated with conventional car jacks;
i. Safety and Stability: One of the primary concerns with conventional car jacks is their
potential instability and lack of robust safety features. These jacks often rely on
manual pumping, which can lead to unstable lifting if not properly centered, posing
risks to both the vehicle and the technicians working underneath.

ii. Manual Effort and Labor Intensiveness: Using conventional car jacks requires
considerable physical effort, making the lifting process labor-intensive and time-
consuming. This not only affects the productivity of automotive technicians but also
poses a risk of fatigue-related errors during extended maintenance tasks.

iii. User-Friendliness and Ease of Operation: Conventional car jacks may not always
offer a user-friendly experience, particularly for less-experienced technicians. The
complexity of their operation and setup could lead to inefficiencies and potential
safety hazards.

iv. Storage and Portability: Conventional car jacks are typically bulkier and less portable,
which can pose challenges in terms of storage and transportation. Finding suitable
storage space and transporting them to different locations may be cumbersome,
especially for mobile repair services.

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this project is to design and construct a semi-automatic pneumatic car jack. The
specific objectives are as follows:
i. To design a semi-automatic pneumatic car jack.
ii. To select an appropriate material also from the design specification and calculations.
iii. To construct a semi-automatic pneumatic car jack.
iv. To carry out performance evaluation tests.
1.4 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of the study on a semi-pneumatic car jack lies in its potential to bring about
numerous benefits and advancements in the automotive maintenance industry. By investigating
and evaluating this innovative lifting technology, the study holds the key significance:
i. Improved Safety: Understanding the safety features and mechanisms of the semi-
pneumatic car jack can lead to the development of enhanced safety protocols during
vehicle lifting operations. By identifying potential risks and stability concerns,
technicians can be better equipped to prevent accidents and injuries, ensuring a safer
working environment.

ii. Enhanced Performance and Efficiency: The study's analysis of the lifting capacity,
speed, and precision of the semi-pneumatic car jack can highlight its potential for
more efficient and streamlined maintenance procedures. By identifying its advantages
over conventional car jacks, businesses and technicians can make informed decisions
to optimize their maintenance workflows and reduce downtime.

iii. Versatility and Compatibility: Exploring the adaptability of the semi-pneumatic car
jack to various vehicle types and sizes can open up new possibilities for its utilization
in diverse automotive scenarios. This understanding can facilitate its integration into
different workshop settings, allowing technicians to lift a broader range of vehicles
more effectively.

1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study for a semi-pneumatic car jack encompasses a comprehensive
examination of various aspects related to this innovative lifting technology. The study will
focus on the following key areas:

i. Technical Analysis: The study will delve into the technical specifications and design
features of the semi-pneumatic car jack. This will include an in-depth exploration of
its working principle, components, and construction, providing a clear understanding
of how jacks operates.

ii. Performance Evaluation: The scope will include a thorough assessment of the lifting
capacity, speed, and accuracy of the semi-pneumatic car jack. Comparative analyses
 with other lifting methods will be conducted to determine its performance advantages
and limitations.

iii. Safety Features: The study will investigate the safety mechanisms and protocols
integrated into the semi-pneumatic car jack. It will identify potential safety risks
during its operation and provide recommendations for ensuring safe usage.

iv. Usability and User-Friendliness: The scope will extend to the user experience with
the semi-pneumatic car jack. This will involve assessing its ease of setup, operation,
and control, as well as evaluating its suitability for both experienced automotive
technicians and the layman.

v. Compatibility and Versatility: The study will explore the compatibility of the semi-
pneumatic car jack with various vehicle types, sizes, and weights. It will determine its
adaptability to lift different makes and models, ensuring a wide range of potential
applications.

vi. Durability and Maintenance: The scope will include an analysis of the jack's
durability and maintenance requirements. This will involve studying its resistance to
wear and tear over extended usage, as well as recommending proper maintenance
practices for optimal performance.

vii. Economic Viability: A cost-benefit analysis will be conducted to assess the economic
advantages of investing in a semi-pneumatic car jack. This will help stakeholders
determine its long-term financial viability compared to other lifting solutions.

viii. Environmental Impact: The study will explore the environmental impact of the semi-
pneumatic car jack, considering factors such as air consumption and energy
efficiency. It will examine whether this technology offers a more sustainable
alternative to traditional hydraulic or fully pneumatic jacks.

ix. Potential Applications: The scope will extend to the exploration of potential
applications beyond the automotive sector. This will involve identifying industries or
scenarios where the semi-pneumatic car jack can be utilized for heavy lifting jacks.

x. Recommendations and Future Research: Based on the study's findings,

comprehensive recommendations will be provided for improving the semi-pneumatic
car jack's performance, safety, and usability. Additionally, areas for future research
and development will be identified to enhance the technology further.
 CHAPTER THREE
MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 DESCRIPTION AND WORKING PRINCIPLE OF THE SEMI AUTOMATIC
PNEUMATIC CAR JACK.
A semi-automatic pneumatic car jack is a mechanical device designed to lift vehicles off the
ground for repair or maintenance purposes. It consists mainly of the reciprocating dc air
compressor, battery, control valves, hose and the jack itself.
WORKING PRINCIPLE OF A PNENMATIC CAR JACK
The working medium adopted is compressed air. When the compressor is connected to the
battery, the compressor compresses the surrounding air to a higher pressure. The compressed air
is transmitted through a tube (hose) which is connected from the outlet valve of the compressor
to the inlet valve of the jack resulting into an upward movement of the plunger. As the plunger
moves upward, it lifts the vehicle up. After the work is done, a released valve is used to allow the
compressed air to escape from the jack, lowering the lifting arm and in turn lowering the vehicle.
3.2 DESING CONSIDERATION
The major factor considered in this design is that the jack should be able to lift the required load
off the ground. The pneumatic jack should also satisfy the following:
i. Safety during operation
ii. Ease of operation
iii. Lightweight
iv. Less requirement of technical know-how
v. Portable and mobile.
3.2.1 MATERIALS
The materials used in this design was based on the requirement for the proper functioning of the
system. They include:
i. 2 cylinders of different diameters
ii. A cube shape metal casing
iii. Hose
iv. Control valves
v. Portable dc air compressor.
3.2.2 CAPACITY
The maximum load capacity of the jack is 03 tons (30kN)
3.2.2 MATERIAL SELECTION.
HOSE.
This is a flexible tube or pipe used to transport pressurized air from the compressor to the car
jack. Pneumatic hoses are an essential components in various pneumatic systems, such as air
compressors, pneumatic tools, industrial automation and robotics.

CONTROL VALVES
Control valves for pneumatics are devices used to regulate the flow, pressure, and direction of
compressed air or gases in pneumatic systems.

A T-Connection Valve
PORTABLE 12V DC AIR COMPRESSOR
An air compressor is required to provide compressed air into the jack cylinder . the air
compressor will utilize the car battery. The size of the air compressor is relatively lightweight it
is only 4kg and the size (LxBxH cm) is approximately 13x7x12, which is compact and portable.

Portable Air Compressor

3.2.2 COST
MATERIAL COST
Hose
Control valves
Portable dc air compressor (300 psi) ₦8,000

3.3 DESIGN THEORY

Design calculations and parameter analysis is necessary when constructing a pneumatic car jack
since safety has to ascertained

3.1

Ac = 6 x l2 …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3.1
Aci = π x d x l ……………………………………………………………….. 3.2
Lame’s equation, P = b/r2 – a ..……………………………………………………………… 3.3
M = Density x volume ……………………………………………………………………... 3.4
Force
P= ...……………………………………………………………………
Area
3.5
V=Lxbxt .…………………………………………………………………….. 3.6
2
σ = b/r + a ……………………………………………………………………... 3.7
π
Vo = (D2 – d2) x l ......…………………………………………………………………
4
3.8

Where:

Ac - Area of cube

Aci - Area of cylinder

Ac1 – Area of cylinder 1

Ac2 – Area of cylinder 2

B – Breadth

Bs1 – Breadth of slab sheet 1

Bs2 – Breadth of slab sheet 2

Bca – Breadth of carriage

BT – Breadth of top plate

bc – Breadth of cube

bb – Breadth of base plate

Dc1 – Outer diameter of cylinder 1

Dc2 – Outer diameter of cylinder 2

dc1 – Inner diameter of cylinder 1

dc2 – Inner diameter of cylinder 2

L – Length
Lc – Length of cube

Lb – Length of base plate

Lc1 – Length of cylinder 1

Lc2 – Length of cylinder 2

Ls1 – Length of slab sheet 1

Ls2 – Length of slab sheet 2

LT – Lenth of top plate

Lca – Length of carriage

M – Mass

Mc1 – Mass of cylinder 1

Mc2 – Mass of cylinder 2

Ms1 – Mass of slab sheet 1

Ms2 – Mass of slab sheet 2

Mca – Mass of carriage

MT – Mass of top plate

Pc - Pressure in cube

P1 - Internal pressure

P2 - External pressure

r1 - Internal radius

r2 – External radius

tc – Thickness of cube

tb – Thickness of base plate

tT – Thickness of top plate

V - Volume

Vc – Volume of cube

Vo – Volume of hollow cylinder

Vc1 – Volume of cylinder 1

Vc2 – Volume of cylinder 2

Vs1 – Volume of slab sheet 1

Vs2 – Volume of slab sheet 2

Vca – Volume of carriage

VT – Volume of top plate

σc1 – Stress in cylinder 1

σc2 – Stress in cylinder 2

σ - Stress induced

D – Outer diameter

d – Inner diameter

3.5 CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

i. Design of pattern: The design for this project was done using the solidworks software.
ii. The first cylinder will provide a slide way for the second cylinder.
 (a) (b)
Fig (a) sectional view of the first and second cylinder, fig (b) Isometric view of the
first and second cylinder.

iii. The cube casing is welded to the base plate.

Fig (c) isometric view of the cube casing welded to the cube casing.
Fig (d) An isometric view of the fully extended jack.