Constant Torque Motor Hook for Trailer Dock Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impact trailer restraints suffer from wear and tear issues with slip clutches and brake systems, leading to unsafe conditions during loading and unloading, and fail to accommodate trailer movements, while also being prone to deterioration in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A constant-torque, multi-mode electric motor secures the ICC bar to the loading dock with a mounting plate and movable carriage, featuring a rotatable hook that continuously adjusts and repositions to maintain engagement, and is protected from environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slip clutch or brake drive systems are used in conventional impact restraints, then the hook can be engaged and held in place, but the systems are susceptible to wear and tear that produces unsafe conditions during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip clutch or brake drive systems with a direct-drive electric motor system. The electric motor directly rotates the hook without intermediate mechanical coupling elements that are prone to wear, thereby eliminating the wear and tear issues while maintaining the ability to engage and hold the hook securely during loading and unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic slip clutch or brake components from the drive system. By using a direct-drive electric motor, the design eliminates these wear-prone mechanical elements entirely, focusing only on the essential components needed for hook engagement and holding functions.
2Reliability
If the hook is engaged with the RIG, then the trailer is secured to the dock, but the hook can be forced down and out of engagement by trailer movements during loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic hook positioning system where the electric motor continuously adjusts the hook position to accommodate trailer movements. The system transitions from a static engaged state to a dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the hook to move up and down, back and forth to maintain proper engagement with the RIG despite trailer rocking, docking, and vibrational movements during loading and unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a control system that monitors the hook's engagement status and trailer position, providing feedback to the electric motor. This feedback mechanism enables the motor to automatically adjust the hook position in response to detected movements, ensuring the hook remains properly engaged with the RIG throughout the loading and unloading process.
3Ease of operation
If conventional impact restraints are used in harsh environments, then the device can function, but the components deteriorate over time due to dirt, debris, snow, ice, rain, humidity and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs protective enclosures and weather-resistant coatings on the electric motor and associated components. These protective layers shield the electrical and mechanical parts from direct exposure to harsh environmental elements such as dirt, debris, snow, ice, rain, and humidity, thereby preventing deterioration while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical drive systems with an electric motor system that has fewer moving parts and no oil seals or grease that could deteriorate in harsh environments. The electric motor's robust construction and lack of vulnerable mechanical components make it inherently more resistant to environmental degradation, extending service life in harsh conditions.
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
The system prevents wear and tear, ensures the hook remains securely engaged during trailer movements, and is weather-resistant, enhancing safety and reliability by continuously adjusting to accommodate trailer vibrations and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A constant-torque, multi-mode electric motor secures the ICC bar to the loading dock
Implementation Method 2
The motor has a higher power level or mode to raise and lower the hook, and a lower power level or mode to continuously adjust the position of the hook and keep it in forced engaged with the ICC bar
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an impact vehicle restraint with a constant-torque, multi-mode electric motor to secure the ICC bar of a trailer to a loading dock. A mounting plate anchors a carriage to the front of the loading dock. The carriage is biased to a raised position and has a pair of spaced shear plates that house a hook. An electric gearmotor rotates the hook between retracted and extended positions. When extended, the hook secures and holds the ICC bar to the dock. The motor has a higher power level or mode to raise and lower the hook, and a lower power level or mode to continuously adjust the position of the hook and keep it in forced engagement with the ICC bar during the process of loading and unloading the trailer. A control system cycles the motor and hook through an operating cycle.