Auto-rack Wheel Chock Grating Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle restraint systems in auto-rack cars fail to securely hold vehicles with unique designs, such as cross-over vehicles, due to interference with low fenders, moldings, and bumpers, leading to movement and damage during transportation, which results in financial losses and increased costs for both vehicle manufacturers and railroads.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wheel chock system with a tire engaging assembly and locking mechanism that can be configured to fit different tire sizes and vehicle profiles, allowing for secure attachment to the grating without contacting fenders or bumpers, and includes a paddle to prevent lateral movement, ensuring the chock remains in a safe zone to prevent vehicle movement and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing restraint systems use face-plates positioned to engage tires, then vehicle restraint is achieved, but the face-plates contact low fenders, moldings, and bumpers on cross-over vehicles causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The chock system transitions from a horizontal face-plate engagement method to a vertical engagement method using downwardly projecting grate engagers that hook onto grating members. This dimensional change allows the restraint system to engage tires through the grating structure without requiring horizontal face-plates that would contact vulnerable vehicle components like fenders and bumpers.
Solution Approach 2:
The grating members serve as an intermediary element between the chock system and the tire. Instead of the face-plate directly contacting the tire and potentially the vehicle body, the grate engagers hook onto the grating members which then engage the tire, creating an indirect engagement path that avoids damage to vehicle components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable face-plates are used to accommodate different tire sizes, then versatility is improved, but the face-plates still interfere with low vehicle profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The chock system with downwardly projecting grate engagers provides a universal engagement method that works across different vehicle types and tire sizes without requiring adjustment of engagement height. The grate engagers hook onto the grating members at a fixed position below the tire, allowing the system to accommodate various tire diameters while maintaining safe clearance from vehicle body components.
3Force
If chain tie-down systems with ratchets are used to secure vehicles, then restraint strength is improved, but the complexity of operation and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chock system with locking members provides a self-locking mechanism where the locking member automatically engages with the grating members when the chock is positioned correctly. This eliminates the need for manual ratcheting or complex chain tightening operations, allowing loaders to quickly secure vehicles without requiring significant time or effort while still providing adequate restraint force.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle.