Adjustable Locking Bar for Vehicle Transporter Perforated Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices for vehicle transporters face challenges in adjusting and securing vehicles on perforated plates, particularly in tight spaces and with complex designs that require precise alignment and difficult actuation, limiting their versatility and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with an adjustable locking bar that can be positioned independently of the perforated plate's hole grid, featuring a fixing device that allows for multiple adjustment positions, transverse movement for easy release, and a ratchet mechanism for secure locking, along with multiple attachment points and contact surfaces for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the locking bar is fixed to the side arms at predetermined positions, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the adaptability to different parking positions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different parking positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking bar is made adjustable relative to the side arms, allowing it to be positioned at different locations along the side arms. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the locking device to adapt to various parking positions of vehicles while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through standardized adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The side arms are provided with multiple predetermined positions, and the locking bar can be fixed at any of these positions. This segmentation of the adjustment range into discrete positions simplifies the manufacturing process while still providing adaptability to different parking requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex fixing device with lateral actuation is used, then the locking bar can be secured at multiple positions, but the ease of operation in tight spaces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to multiple positionsVSAvoidease of actuation in tight spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of actuating the fixing device laterally as in conventional designs, the locking bar is released by lifting it vertically. This inverted actuation direction allows operators to easily release the locking bar from above, which is much more convenient in tight spaces where lateral access is limited.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting action of the locking bar itself activates the release mechanism. When the locking bar is lifted, it automatically disengages from the fixing device through the transverse movement of its end, eliminating the need for separate actuating levers or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the locking device requires precise alignment with the hole grid, then the fastening to the perforated plate is secure, but the ease of installation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening securityVSAvoidease of installation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device allows for parameter adjustment in terms of the locking bar's position along the side arms. This adjustment capability compensates for variations in hole grid spacing and positioning, enabling secure fastening without requiring precise alignment with the perforated plate holes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If a one-sided actuating lever design is used, then the fixing device can be simplified, but the ease of operation is reduced due to alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing device complexityVSAvoidease of actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting action serves multiple functions: it simultaneously raises the locking bar to its operational position and activates the release mechanism. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate actuating mechanisms and removes alignment requirements, making the device universally operable from any approach direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3246201B1Locking device

Publication Date: 2018.11.21 KASSBOHRER TRANSPORT TECHNIK GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3

AI summary

Locking device (1), which can be detachably attached to a perforated plate (11) of a loading platform (3) of a vehicle transporter (4) by means of at least one fastening element (2), with a locking bar (5) extending substantially horizontally in the mounting position and at least two side arms (6) projecting laterally from it, wherein the side arms (6) each have at least one contact surface (10) for contacting the loading platform (3) of the vehicle transporter (4), and the locking bar (5) is designed to be adjustable relative to the side arms (6), wherein a fixing device (8) is provided for fixing the locking bar (5) relative to the side arms (6), wherein the fixing of the locking bar (5) can be released by a movement of the locking bar (5) relative to the side arms (6) substantially transverse to the longitudinal extent of the locking bar (5).