Low-Profile Vehicle Restraint for Grated Deck Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle restraint systems for autoracks with grated driving surfaces are inadequate for smaller vehicles, as they are too bulky and tall, leading to potential damage during transportation due to high-impact forces.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile vehicle restraint system comprising a ratchet, an anchor, and a strap that couples to grated panels through hooks, providing longitudinal and vertical restraint, with features like elastomeric components and a torsional spring to absorb forces and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wheel chocks are used for grated driving surfaces, then larger vehicles (SUVs and trucks) are effectively secured, but smaller vehicles (sedans) cannot be properly restrained due to the chocks being too bulky and tall
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is divided into separate functional components: a flat anchor plate with hooks for grate attachment, a ratchet mechanism for strap tensioning, and a strap for vehicle contact. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a low-profile design that accommodates smaller vehicles while maintaining restraint effectiveness across all vehicle sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a vertical, height-dependent restraint mechanism (traditional chocks) to a horizontal, surface-area-based mechanism (flat anchor plate with distributed hooks). By spreading the attachment points across the grate surface in a planar configuration, the system eliminates the need for vertical clearance while maintaining secure attachment
2Force
If traditional high-profile wheel chocks are used, then restraint force is sufficient for large vehicles, but the chocks cause damage to inner fender wells of smaller vehicles during high-impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible strap serves as an intermediary element between the ratchet mechanism and the vehicle tire. This strap distributes restraint forces across a larger surface area of the tire and vehicle body, preventing concentrated loads that could damage inner fender wells while maintaining sufficient overall restraint force
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the force distribution parameters by using a broad, flat anchor plate with multiple hooks instead of a concentrated vertical chock. This distributes the attachment forces across multiple grate wires and increases the contact area, reducing peak stresses and preventing vehicle damage during high-impact events
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wheel chocks are designed for low profile to accommodate smaller vehicles, then vehicle damage is reduced, but the restraint effectiveness for larger vehicles may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is designed with universal applicability through adjustable strap length, multiple hook positions on the anchor plate, and a ratchet mechanism that can accommodate various tension requirements. This multi-functional design enables the same low-profile system to effectively restrain both small sedans and large trucks without compromising reliability for either vehicle type
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 both small and large vehicles, reducing the risk of damage to the vehicle and the grated surface by distributing forces and allowing for greater perimeter contact, thus enhancing friction holding power and accommodating various autorack levels.
Implementation Method 1
features like elastomeric components and a torsional spring to absorb forces and prevent damage
Implementation Method 2
features like elastomeric components and a torsional spring to absorb forces and prevent damage
Implementation Method 3
The anchor includes a first plurality of hooks configured to couple the anchor to the deck of the transport through one or more grate wires
Implementation Method 4
allowing for greater perimeter contact, thus enhancing friction holding power
Data Source
AI summary
A system for restraining a vehicle includes a deck of a transport. The deck includes one or more grated panels. The system also includes a vehicle restraint assembly configured to secure a vehicle to the deck of the transport. The vehicle restraint assembly includes an anchor coupled to a first end of a strap. The anchor includes a first plurality of hooks configured to couple the anchor to the deck of the transport through one or more grate wires of the one or more grated panels. The vehicle restraint assembly further includes a ratchet coupled to a second end of the strap. The ratchet includes a second plurality of hooks configured to couple the ratchet to the deck of the transport through one or more grate wires of the one or more grated panels.