Eccentric Docking Lockage for Heavy-Object Secure Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking and locking mechanisms are often inconvenient, not suitable for large or heavy objects, and can be inefficient, particularly in facilities where objects need to be securely positioned for loading, unloading, or operation.
Innovation Solution
A docking and locking mechanism utilizing an eccentric mechanism, which includes a handle actuatable between docked and undocked positions, an axle coupled to the handle, a sheave, and a rod that rotates in an eccentric path, coupled with a linkage assembly and a docking lever assembly to securely engage and disengage with a docking receiver assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hook and loop fasteners or tape are used to keep an object in position, then the docking mechanism is simple and easy to use, but they are not strong enough for large or heavy objects and may need frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The docking mechanism is divided into separate components: a docking assembly with a receiver and a docking lever with a protrusion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the receiver provides a strong mechanical anchoring point while the lever provides easy manual operation, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using adhesive or friction-based fastening methods that are easy to apply but weak, the invention inverts the approach by using a mechanical lever system where a small manual input force on the lever translates into a large locking force through mechanical advantage, achieving both strength and ease of operation.
2Strength
If rope or tie down straps are used to tie objects in position, then strong holding force is achieved, but personnel must continuously retrieve and tie them which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The docking lever is pre-positioned and spring-loaded so that it automatically engages with the receiver when brought into proximity. The spring mechanism pre-loads the lever, eliminating the need for personnel to manually tie or secure the object - simply positioning the object triggers the automatic docking action, reducing docking time while maintaining strong holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded lever automatically engages with the receiver and locks into place without requiring continuous human intervention. The mechanism serves itself by using the relative movement between the object and docking assembly to trigger the locking action, eliminating the time-consuming manual tying process while maintaining secure holding.
3Reliability
If brakes are activated on wheels of a cart, then rolling prevention is achieved, but personnel must activate brakes on all wheels individually which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual brake mechanisms are merged into a single centralized docking lever system. Instead of requiring personnel to operate separate brakes on each wheel, one lever action simultaneously engages all docking points, providing equivalent reliability to individual brakes while dramatically improving operational convenience through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single docking lever serves multiple functions: it simultaneously activates all docking points, provides mechanical advantage for easy operation, and ensures reliable locking of the entire cart assembly. This multi-functionality allows one component to replace multiple individual brake mechanisms, maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If a docking mechanism is designed to be simple, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability for securing heavy objects may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete components (receiver, lever, protrusion, spring) that can be manufactured using basic machining processes. Each component has a simple geometry that is easy to manufacture, yet when assembled, they create a reliable mechanical locking system capable of securing heavy objects through proper force distribution and mechanical advantage.
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 mechanism provides a reliable, efficient, and easy-to-use solution for securely docking and locking various objects in place, suitable for a range of applications and objects, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the risk of objects becoming misplaced or blocking pathways.
Implementation Method 1
an eccentric mechanism including an axle coupled to the handle and configured to rotate about an axis of rotation upon actuation of the handle, a sheave coupled to the axle and configured to rotate about the axis of rotation with the axle, and a rod comprising a first end coupled to the sheave off-center from the axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A docking and locking mechanism includes a handle actuatable between a docked position and an undocked position and an eccentric mechanism coupled to the handle, the eccentric mechanism having a rod that rotates in an eccentric path upon actuation by the handle. The docking and locking mechanism also includes a linkage assembly with a plurality of sleeves and linkage shafts coupling the rod of the eccentric mechanism to a docking lever assembly having a docking lever to enable actuation of the docking lever.