Automatic Wheel Chocking System for Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel chocking systems for large vehicles lack an efficient and automatic mechanism for engaging and disengaging chocks, often requiring manual operation or complex mechanical setups, which can be cumbersome and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
An automatic wheel chocking system where wheel chocks are supported in cradles mounted on the vehicle's frame, remotely controlled by a motor that activates upon engagement of the parking brake to lower the chocks into position and retracts them when the brake is disengaged, utilizing a DC motor or servo-motor for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation or complex mechanical setups are used for engaging and disengaging wheel chocks, then the system structure can be simpler, but the ease of operation deteriorates and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated motor-driven system. A motor (electric or hydraulic) automatically positions the chocks when the vehicle is parked, eliminating the need for manual intervention while managing the complexity through integrated control systems that respond to vehicle status signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The chocking system performs self-service by automatically deploying and retracting chocks based on vehicle parking status. The system monitors whether the vehicle is parked and autonomously activates the motor to position chocks under the wheels, then retracts them when the vehicle is in motion, without requiring external manual operation.
2Reliability
If automatic motor-driven operation is implemented, then the ease of operation and safety improve, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor vehicle parking status and automatically control the motor accordingly. Sensors detect whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, and this information feeds back to the control system to automatically deploy or retract chocks, ensuring reliable operation without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions chocks for parking safety, retracts them for vehicle movement, and can be integrated with existing vehicle electrical or hydraulic systems. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by leveraging existing vehicle infrastructure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If wheel chocks are continuously engaged, then vehicle stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the vehicle cannot move freely
Solution Approach 1:
The chocking system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The motor automatically adjusts the position of chocks based on real-time vehicle status: deploying them when the vehicle is parked to provide stability, and retracting them when the vehicle is in motion to ensure ease of operation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between stability and mobility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides secure and automatic engagement and disengagement of wheel chocks, enhancing safety and convenience by allowing the vehicle to be immobilized and unimpeded with minimal manual intervention, improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus includes a motor responsive to engagement of the parking brake on the vehicle to activate the cradles for rotation causing the chocks to descend into operative engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel chocking assembly for a vehicle such as a truck where the wheel chocks are supported in respective cradles mounted for rotation on the truck's frame or chassis, and where the cradles are adapted to be moved between a first upwardly-facing inoperative position where each cradle supports its corresponding chock in an inoperative mode, and an operative positon where each cradle is rotated about 180° sufficient to lower its corresponding chock by a tether into chocking position under the influence of gravity. A control system is provided where transition from the aforementioned inoperative position to the operative position is remotely controlled by operation of the vehicle's parking brake.