Hinged Surface Chock Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door propping mechanisms, such as wedge-shaped and kick-down arm designs, face issues like reliance on slippery or damaged floors, require bending, and are loose components that can be misplaced, limiting their effectiveness and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that enables a hinged surface chock to transition between a stowed and deployed position by fitting through a gap between two hinged surfaces, using a ball-type joint and arm configuration to securely hold and deploy the chock, allowing it to be left in place and easily deployed when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wedge-shaped or kick-down arm propping mechanism is used, then the door can be kept open, but the mechanism requires interaction with the floor which may be slippery or damaged, and requires bending over to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the arm with ball-type joint and chock) that mediates between the door and the floor. Instead of directly interacting with the floor, the system uses the arm to position and hold the chock, which then interacts with the door edge. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for direct floor interaction while maintaining propping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The propping mechanism is divided into separate functional segments: the arm component for positioning, the ball-type joint for movement, and the chock for actual propping. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving both reliability and ease of operation by isolating the critical propping action from the floor interaction.
2Reliability
If a wedge-shaped or kick-down arm propping mechanism is used, then the door can be kept open, but the mechanism is a loose part that can easily be misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the arm mechanism and chock into an integrated assembly where the chock is securely attached to the arm. This combination eliminates the problem of loose parts being misplaced, as the chock remains permanently attached to the arm structure. The integrated design maintains portability while ensuring the chock stays in place during operation.
3Ease of operation
If a Howell-type door propping apparatus is used, then the door can be propped without floor interaction, but the device is a loose part that can be misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by attaching the chock permanently to the arm mechanism, creating an integrated assembly. This eliminates the loose part problem while maintaining the Howell-type advantage of no floor interaction required. The chock remains securely attached to the arm throughout operation, preventing misplacement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a chock is designed to be portable and removable, then it can be easily stored, but it requires additional components like chains or cords to secure it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the chock and arm into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate securing mechanisms like chains or cords. The chock is permanently attached to the arm structure, so no additional components are required to prevent misplacement. This integration simplifies the overall device while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the securing function from separate components (chains, cords) and integrates it directly into the arm-chock structure. The attachment mechanism is built into the arm itself, eliminating the need for external securing elements and reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism or apparatus enables stowing a hinged surface chock at a stowage position near a deployment position. Said stowage and deployment positions separated by a gap between a first hinged surface and a second hinged surface, where said hinged surfaces are attached by at least one hinge. The apparatus enables the transition of said chock through said gap when one of said hinged surfaces is sufficiently open. Said apparatus will enable stowing said chock by holding said chock at the side of the gap where said chock does not obstruct the closing path of either hinged surface and said apparatus will enable deploying said chock by holding said chock where, at least partially, said chock obstructs the closing path of at least one of said hinged surfaces. Said apparatus may further enable arranging said chock at a wider angle at the deployed position.