Floor-Mounted Wheel Restraint With Ramp Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel restraint systems for mobile transport vehicles are ineffective in slippery conditions and can compromise safety and ergonomics, as they often slip out of position or require drivers to leave their position to apply a pressure brake.
Innovation Solution
A wheel restraint system featuring an elongated frame component with a base portion secured to the floor and a loading member with ramp surfaces to guide wheels into a receiving space, combined with a locking member and actuator lever assembly for secure engagement and release of the transport apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a portable wheel chock is used to restrain the wheel, then the device is simple and easy to deploy, but it slips out of position on slippery surfaces and can be misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wheel chock function with a permanent floor-mounted structure. The receiving space is integrated into the floor assembly, merging the portable chock concept with a fixed installation to eliminate slipping and misplacement issues while maintaining the basic wheel restraint function
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel restraint system is pre-installed and permanently attached to the floor surface before use. This preliminary action ensures the restraint mechanism is always in position and cannot be misplaced, unlike portable chocks that must be manually deployed
2Reliability
If a pressure brake is applied by the driver, then the transport vehicle is effectively restrained, but the driver must step off and leave his position which compromises safety and ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel restraint system operates automatically without requiring the driver to leave their position. The mechanical locking mechanism engages self-service by utilizing the vehicle's own movement and weight to activate the restraint, eliminating the need for manual brake application by the driver
3Ease of manufacture
If a portable wheel chock is used, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but it requires manual placement and monitoring which increases time and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel restraint system is pre-installed and permanently attached to the floor surface before use. This preliminary action ensures the restraint mechanism is always in position and cannot be misplaced, unlike portable chocks that must be manually deployed
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 effectively secures wheels in place on various surfaces, enhancing safety and reducing the need for drivers to leave their position, thereby improving ergonomics and reducing time and expense.
Implementation Method 1
The loading member defines a ramp surface to guide the rotational movement of a wheel of the wheeled transport apparatus into a receiving space
Implementation Method 2
a locking member pivotally coupled to the elongated frame component and configured to retainingly engage a portion of the wheeled transport apparatus
Implementation Method 3
The base portion is configured to be secured to a floor surface
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for restraining the movement of a wheeled transport apparatus using a restraining device. The restraining device may include an elongated frame component having an upstanding rear portion and a base portion. The base portion is configured to be secured to a floor surface. A loading member may be provided, located adjacent the elongated frame component. The loading member defines a ramp surface to guide a rotational movement of a wheel of the wheeled transport apparatus into a receiving space. In certain aspects, the elongated frame component comprises an angle iron defining a length and having a substantially uniform L-shaped cross-section. The device may further include a locking member pivotally coupled to the elongated frame component and configured to retainingly engage a structural component of the wheeled transport apparatus.