BLUETOOTH OPERATED SCISSOR JACK: THE FUTURE OF VEHICLE LIFTING EQUIPMENT FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Abstract

The tire exchange process can be a daunting task for people with limited abilities. As the physical effort required for the conventional vehicle jack operation can be difficult or impossible for some people. Hence, manufacturers have developed electrical scissor jacks that can be controlled remotely. These jacks eliminate the need for exerting any physical effort so that people with limited abilities can change their own tires. However, commercial electrical jacks are expensive, not always available in developing countries at reasonable prices. Moreover, they are controlled using a wired remote-control device and powered by connecting alligator cables to the vehicles’ battery. This paper presents the procedures needed to convert a manual commercial scissor jack to a smartphone-controlled one using developing country local market components. The jack is controlled via Bluetooth connected device and can be powered by the vehicle's cigarette lighter receptables, alligator cables, or AC power outlet. In addition, emergency buttons are attached to the control unit in case smartphone application suddenly malfunctions during the lifting process. The prototype was successfully tested and was able to lift a vehicle 25 cm in less than two minutes. This is a significant improvement over manual jacks, which can take up to four minutes to lift the same distance. The proposed smartphone-controlled scissor jack is a valuable tool for people with limited abilities, as it makes the tire exchange process much easier and faster. The low cost and local availability of the components make it a viable option for developing countries.