Mechanical Deck Locking Apparatus for Livestock Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing livestock transport storage areas with movable floors face instability and safety hazards due to sudden livestock movement dislodging hydraulic or pneumatic locking mechanisms, requiring complex operator intervention and adding weight to vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically operated locking apparatus that automatically engages and disengages by adjusting the deck's height, using a locking arm and biasing means to securely lock the deck at a selected height, allowing vertical movement and preventing reverse movement, thus maintaining stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic or pneumatic locking mechanisms are used to hold the deck at a selected height, then the deck can be moved to different positions, but the mechanisms become unstable when livestock move suddenly, causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic or pneumatic locking mechanisms with a purely mechanical locking system comprising a locking member and locking surface. The locking member engages with the locking surface through mechanical interaction only, eliminating fluid-based systems that are prone to instability when subjected to sudden livestock movement. The mechanical design includes a biasing means that ensures positive engagement through elastic force, providing reliable and stable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage and disengage automatically based on the deck's vertical position. As the deck moves vertically, the locking member automatically engages with the locking surface at the selected height without requiring additional actuators or control systems. The biasing means provides self-actuating engagement, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If complex control means with multiple actuators are used to operate the locking mechanism, then the deck can be securely locked, but the system weight increases and operator intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the locking system. Instead of using multiple actuators, pipes, hoses, and control electronics, the design uses a single locking member with biasing means that provides all necessary locking functionality. This extraction of redundant components significantly reduces the overall weight of the locking mechanism while maintaining secure engagement through the essential mechanical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates automatically based on the deck's vertical movement, eliminating the need for operator intervention. The biasing means automatically engages the locking member with the locking surface when the deck reaches the selected height, and the system self-regulates without requiring external control signals or manual actuation, thereby reducing both weight and operational complexity.
3Weight of moving object
If manually operated deck locks are used, then the system weight is reduced, but the time required to engage and disengage the locks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage and disengage automatically in response to the deck's vertical movement. When the deck is raised to the selected height, the locking member automatically engages with the locking surface without requiring manual intervention. Similarly, when the deck is lowered, the locking member automatically disengages. This self-service operation eliminates the time-consuming manual locking process while keeping the mechanism lightweight.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing means is pre-loaded to prepare the locking member for automatic engagement. The elastic force is stored in advance, so when the deck reaches the appropriate position, the locking action occurs immediately without delay. This preliminary preparation of the locking mechanism ensures rapid engagement and disengagement operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the locking mechanism allows vertical movement of the deck, then loading and unloading flexibility is improved, but the risk of the deck becoming unstable during transit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed as a simple, robust mechanical system that provides definitive locking at each position. The locking member and locking surface create a positive engagement that is simple in design but highly effective at preventing movement. This straightforward mechanical design ensures stability during transit without the complexity of multi-stage locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking surface is designed with a curved or inclined geometry that provides a self-locking effect. The curvature of the locking surface ensures that the locking member engages at an angle that prevents accidental disengagement during transit, while still allowing smooth engagement when the deck is properly positioned. This geometric design enhances stability without restricting loading and unloading flexibility.
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 solution provides a safe and stable locking mechanism that automatically adjusts and maintains the deck's position, reducing operator intervention and weight, and preventing instability during transit, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing means arranged to bias the locking arm towards the at rest position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1k
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides lock apparatus (116) for use with a movable deck (108), typically of a transportable storage area. The storage area can be used for the transport of livestock and the invention extends to a vehicle including or attachable to a storage area with lock apparatus of the type described. The deck follows a predetermined path of movement and it can be moved to a first position to automatically engage the lock apparatus and so prevent the deck from being lowered below the height of the lock apparatus. The deck can then be moved upwardly, when it is required to disengage the lock apparatus and, thereafter, the deck can be further raised or lowered freely. The lock apparatus therefore allows automatic engagement and release of the deck by powered movement of the deck, whilst ensuring that the deck is maintained by the lock apparatus when required so as to provide the deck in a maintained load carrying position for as long as desired which is particularly advantageous where the deck is used to support heavy goods, such as livestock.