Cargo Dolly Auto-Chocking Linkage for Wheel Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo dollies lack effective solutions to prevent unintentional movement when disconnected from towing equipment, leading to safety risks and damage, and the use of multiple chocks increases the risk of accidents and logistical inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The development of an automated chocking system for cargo dollies that detects disengagement from towing equipment and electronically actuates to lock at least one wheel in place using sensors and mechanical linkages, providing feedback and notifications to ensure secure positioning without direct tire contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple wheel brace or lever is used to prevent unintentional movement, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the braking effectiveness decreases over time due to rubber wear and may fail to maintain contact with the wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical wheel brace system with an electronically controlled braking system. The electronic brake actuator receives signals from the control module and automatically applies brake force to the wheel, eliminating the need for mechanical contact with tire rubber. This substitution maintains reliability over time while preserving ease of operation through automatic activation upon disconnection detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when the cargo dolly is disconnected from the towing vehicle and self-activates the braking system without requiring manual intervention. The control module monitors connection status and triggers the electronic brake actuator autonomously, making the system self-serving and eliminating the need for operators to manually deploy chocks.
2Reliability
If multiple separate chocks are used to secure all tires, then the reliability of preventing movement is improved, but the device complexity and safety risks increase due to more components that can be lost or cause accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple separate chocks into a single integrated electronic braking system. Instead of deploying individual chocks to each wheel, the system uses a centralized control module that can activate brakes on one or more wheels as needed, reducing the number of components from multiple separate chocks to a unified electronic system with fewer moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic braking system serves multiple functions: it prevents unintended movement when disconnected, provides controlled stopping capability, and can be integrated with fleet tracking systems. This multi-functional approach replaces the single-purpose mechanical chocks with a versatile system that addresses multiple operational needs simultaneously.
3Reliability
If manual chocking by logistics personnel is required, then the braking effectiveness can be ensured, but the productivity decreases due to additional time and labor required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the chocking function automatically without requiring logistics personnel to manually deploy or monitor chocks. The control module detects disconnection and activates the electronic brake actuator autonomously, eliminating manual labor while maintaining reliable braking effectiveness through electronic control and monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control module monitors connection status and brake activation state. This feedback loop ensures that the braking system is properly engaged when needed and can report status to operators or fleet management systems, providing confidence in effectiveness without requiring manual verification.
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
Enhances safety by preventing unintentional movement and reducing the risk of accidents, while also improving logistical efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple chocks and enhancing the tracking and management of cargo dolly fleets.
Implementation Method 1
sensors and mechanical linkages
Implementation Method 2
electronically actuates to lock at least one wheel in place
Implementation Method 3
lock at least one wheel in place
Data Source
AI summary
An improved auto-chocking enabled cargo dolly that is towable by ground support equipment. The dolly has a frame, wheels attached to the frame that support the frame and rotate to allow movement of the frame, a tow bar, a linkage in communication with the tow bar and that actuates when the tow bar is raised, and a wheel engagement chocking system fixed to the dolly frame and disposed to selectively engage at least one of the wheels attached to the dolly frame. The wheel engagement system is responsive to a position of the linkage, where the wheel engagement chocking system applies pressure directly to at least one of the wheels to hold the wheel(s) in place when the linkage is actuated by the tow bar.