Adjustable Wheel Immobilizer With Flexible Chock Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel immobilizers fail to adequately secure vehicles against sudden movements due to wind gusts or other forces, and lack adjustability for varying wheel sizes, while also being user-friendly and secure against theft.
Innovation Solution
A wheel immobilizer apparatus comprising adjustable chocks and a flexible member, where the chocks are positioned adjacent to the wheel, and the flexible member is secured to the axle and chocks, allowing for tensioning and locking to prevent wheel movement, with an adjustment mechanism to accommodate different wheel diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wedge-shaped wheel chocks are used, then the structure is simple, but they do not provide adequate safeguards against sudden wind gusts or other sudden forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple chock members with a flexible connecting element into a single integrated immobilization system. The flexible member connects the chocks to each other and to the wheel, creating a unified structure that provides mutual support and enhanced stability against sudden forces while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If wheel chocks are designed for security purposes with locking mechanisms, then theft prevention is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member functions as both a securing element and a locking mechanism. When the chocks are positioned against the wheel and the flexible member is tensioned, it automatically creates a self-locking effect that prevents theft without requiring separate locking devices or complex operational steps.
3Reliability
If wheel chocks are made fixed for secure immobilization, then immobilization effectiveness is improved, but they cannot be adjusted to varying wheel sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible member that can dynamically adjust its configuration and length to accommodate different wheel sizes. The flexibility allows the system to adapt to various wheel diameters while maintaining effective immobilization, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size chock sets.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible member is used to secure chocks, then adjustability is improved, but the securing mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible member (such as a chain, rope, or elastic band) to connect the chocks and secure them to the wheel. This flexible element provides the necessary adaptability for different wheel sizes while maintaining a simple overall structure that does not require complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a wheel immobilizer apparatus and method for immobilizing a wheel of a vehicle. For example, a wheel immobilizer apparatus may include a plurality of chocks and an adjustment member secured to each of the chocks and configured to adjust a relative distance between a pair of the plurality of chocks. The apparatus may also include a flexible member comprising a pair of free ends each secured to a respective one of the pair of chocks and configured to secure the chocks to a wheel.