Dock Restraint Hook Assembly for Motor-Free RIG Bar Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle restraints for trailers at loading docks face issues such as hook pinch and reliance on motors, which are costly, complex, and unreliable, especially during power outages, and often require manual intervention for disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle restraint system utilizing a vertical and horizontal slide assembly with biasing mechanisms and a locking assembly that operates without motors, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement of the RIG bar based on the vehicle's motion, using springs and hydraulic components for biasing and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motorized mechanisms are used for vehicle restraint systems, then automation and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity, cost, and reliability during power outages worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is designed to automatically engage and disengage without requiring external power or manual intervention. The spring-loaded carriage self-actuates through the vehicle's own backward movement, and the hydraulic cylinder automatically releases the latch when the vehicle pulls forward, making the system self-serving and eliminating motors entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces motorized actuation systems with a purely mechanical spring-loaded carriage system that uses the vehicle's movement to trigger engagement and disengagement. The hydraulic cylinder provides automatic latch release without requiring electrical power, substituting mechanical and hydraulic systems for electrical motors
2Extent of automation
If motorized mechanisms are used for vehicle restraint systems, then automation is improved, but reliability during power outages worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically engages when the vehicle backs up and automatically disengages when the vehicle pulls forward, using the vehicle's own motion to trigger the restraint actions without requiring external power sources or control systems
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic cylinder replaces motorized actuation for the latch mechanism, providing reliable automatic engagement and disengagement that is not dependent on electrical power. The hydraulic system uses fluid pressure to actuate the latch, ensuring operation during power outages
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional restraints engage the RIG bar with fixed positioning, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different vehicle heights worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system incorporates a vertically movable carriage that adjusts its position based on the vehicle's RIG bar height. The carriage travels along vertical tracks and can be positioned at different heights, allowing the system to adapt to various vehicle types and heights while maintaining a straightforward mechanical design
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 provides reliable, efficient, and cost-effective restraint without power requirements, eliminating hook pinch and reducing operational complexity by using mechanical interactions to secure and release the RIG bar, enhancing safety and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
A vertical biasing assembly may be provided to bias the vertical slide frame toward the resting height
Implementation Method 2
A horizontal biasing assembly may be provided to bias the horizontal slide frame away from the dock
Implementation Method 3
A hydraulic cylinder assembly may be provided with a solenoid valve, a lock piston and a return spring
Data Source
AI summary
A restraining assembly for a vehicle restraint for restraining a rear impact guard (RIG) bar of a vehicle or trailer at a dock may include a hook. The hook may further include a locking arm at a first end thereof, a catch portion at a second end thereof, an axial orifice about which the hook rotates responsive to movement of the RIG bar in contact with the catch portion or the locking arm, and a cam surface disposed between the locking arm and the axial orifice. The hook may be rotatably mounted to a vertical slide assembly of the vehicle restraint that slidably engages the RIG bar to adjust to a height of the RIG bar against a bias applied to the vertical slide assembly. The restraining assembly may be rotated only responsive to movement of the RIG bar to transition between a receiving position for receiving or releasing the RIG bar and a locking position for retaining the RIG bar.