Grip Wedge Single-Axis Ratchet Hooking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grip wedges for motor vehicles transported on trucks or trailers face difficulties in quick and easy hooking/unhooking due to limited space and the need for multiple, differently actuated mechanisms, which complicates the process and reduces usability.
Innovation Solution
A grip wedge with ratchet gear means featuring two hooks that rotate around a single axis, allowing simultaneous hooking/unhooking through a single movement, facilitated by a rotating shaft with elastic means and actuating handles for enhanced ease of use and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed hook is used for anchoring the wedge to the gangway, then the anchoring reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for rotation in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two hooks (one fixed, one mobile) onto a single rotating shaft, allowing both to be actuated simultaneously by one rotational movement. This merging of the two hooking mechanisms resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable anchoring through the fixed hook while improving ease of operation through unified actuation of both hooks.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet gear mechanism automatically engages when the shaft is rotated, causing the hooks to self-anchor to the gangway holes without requiring additional manual manipulation. This self-service feature improves ease of operation while maintaining anchoring reliability.
2Ease of operation
If two mobile hooks rotating around one axis are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple closing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two mobile hooks onto a single rotating shaft with a unified ratchet gear mechanism, reducing device complexity compared to having two separate rotating mechanisms. Both hooks are actuated simultaneously by one rotational movement, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the mechanism is placed towards the vehicle axis for accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to limited access below the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the rotating shaft and hooks laterally adjacent to the wheel rather than directly below it, changing the spatial dimension of access. This lateral positioning allows operators to reach the mechanism from the side, improving accessibility while reducing the difficulty of detecting and measuring the hooking status.
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
Enables quick, reliable, and economical hooking/unhooking of the wedge with improved comfort and safety, allowing single-handed operation and increased usability on both sides of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means, arranged coaxially to the rotating shaft and having a first end fastened to the shaft and a second end fastened to the basic structure, adapted to store energy when the shaft is rotated around the hooking/unhooking rotation axis along the unhooking direction and automatically discharge the energy to rotate the shaft around the hooking/unhooking rotation axis along the hooking direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A stop wedge (20) is described for motor vehicles on trucks or trailers, composed of at least one basic structure (1) on which a stop abutment (2) of a motor vehicle wheel (30) is fastened, such wedge (20) being further equipped with quick hooking/unhooking means to a loading plane or gangway (40) of such truck or trailer, such quick hooking/unhooking means being adapted to be actuated through a single movement.