SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE &
ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING DESIGN & PROTOTYPING
PROJECT REPORT
Project Title: Car Jack
INTRODUCTION
A Car Jack is a fundamental automotive tool designed to
lift vehicles for maintenance or to change a tyre.
It typically consists of a lever, hydraulic cylinder or screw
mechanism that applies force to elevate the vehicle,
providing access to the underside.
Car Jacks are essential tools for any vehicle owner,
offering a convenient solution for routine repairs and
emergencies.
There are various types of car jacks, each employing
different mechanisms to achieve lifting such as: Scissor
Jacks, Hydraulic Jacks, Bottle Jacks, Floor Jacks and
Electric Car Jacks.
It’s crucial to choose the right type of jack based on the
vehicle’s weight, intended use and personal preferences
for ease of handling and storage.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the jack itself are
essential to ensure safe and reliable operation,
contributing to overall vehicle safety.
APPLICATION
The application of a car jack, both in practical and
educational contexts, encompasses:
1. Vehicle Maintenance: Car jacks are indispensable tools
for lifting vehicles, facilitating tasks such as tire changes,
brake repairs, and undercarriage inspections.
2. Emergency Situations: Car jacks are crucial for roadside
emergencies, enabling drivers to lift their vehicles for tire
repairs or replacements.
3. Garage Workshops: Automotive repair shops and
garages heavily rely on car jacks for efficient and safe
access to the undersides of vehicles during repairs and
maintenance.
4. DIY Repairs: Enthusiastic car owners and DIY
mechanics use car jacks to perform basic maintenance
tasks without the need for professional assistance.
5. Towing Operations: Car jacks play a role in towing
operations, assisting in the lifting and positioning of
vehicles onto tow trucks.
6. Educational Demonstrations: In educational settings,
car jacks are used to demonstrate principles of
mechanics, physics, and automotive engineering.
8. Construction and Industrial Settings: Car jacks, or
similar hydraulic lifting devices, find applications beyond
automotive use in construction and industrial settings for
lifting heavy loads.
Understanding these applications helps emphasize the
versatility and importance of car jacks in various
scenarios.
STEPS OF CONSTRUCTION
Creating a car jack in SolidWorks involves several detailed
steps:
1. Base Sketch:
Open a new part in SolidWorks.
Choose a plane to sketch on and create the base
profile of the car jack using lines and dimensions.
2. Base Extrusion:
Use the Extrude feature to give thickness to the base
profile.
Specify the extrusion distance based on the desired
height of the car jack.
3. Lifting Arm Sketch:
Create a new sketch on a suitable plane for the lifting
arm.
Sketch the lifting arm profile, considering its shape
and dimensions.
4. Lifting Arm Extrusion:
Extrude the lifting arm profile to the required height.
Ensure that the lifting arm is positioned correctly in
relation to the base.
5. Handle and Support Structures:
Add a handle to the lifting arm by creating another
sketch and using the Extrude feature.
Include support structures or any additional
components needed for stability.
6. Assembly:
If your car jack consists of multiple parts (e.g., base,
lifting arm), create an assembly file.
Insert each part into the assembly and position them
appropriately.
7. Mate and Align Components:
Use mates to align and connect different
components within the assembly.
Ensure proper clearance and functioning by adjusting
mates as needed.
8. Simulation:
Access SolidWorks Simulation tools to test the
functionality of your car jack.
Apply appropriate loads and constraints to simulate
real-world conditions.
9. Review and Adjust:
Inspect your design for any errors or interferences.
Make necessary adjustments to dimensions,
sketches, or mates to resolve issues.
10. Save and Export:
Save your SolidWorks part and assembly files.
If needed, export files to the desired format for
sharing or manufacturing.
