Loading Bay Wheel Chock With Segmented Ratchet Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical chocking devices for vehicles and trailers in loading and unloading bays face issues with inaccurate anchoring, high inertia forces, damage from blows, and difficulty in releasing the chock due to non-adjustable anchoring points and exposure to dirt, leading to malfunction and ineffective retention.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical chocking device with a structure/carriage system that uses a guidance system with inclined teeth for precise positioning and blocking, allowing movement in one direction while blocking in another, and a release mechanism to overcome pressure and dirt exposure, enabling accurate wheel retention and easy retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If anchoring points are distributed discreetly along the guide with 5-10 cm spacing, then the device structure is simple, but the chock cannot accurately coincide with the wheel position causing high inertia forces and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system is segmented into discrete openings, teeth, or interlockings distributed along the guide. These segmented elements allow the structure/carriage to be positioned at multiple discrete intervals (preferably 0.5-1.5 cm spacing) while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure. The segmentation enables precise positioning without requiring a completely continuous complex adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The chocking device transitions from a static fixed-position chock to a dynamic system where the structure/carriage can move along the guide to different anchoring points. The movement mechanism allows the retention arm to be dynamically repositioned to coincide with the wheel position, reducing inertia forces while maintaining structural simplicity through controlled motion rather than complex adjustable structures.
2Reliability
If the chock is positioned to coincide with the wheel, then retention effectiveness is improved, but the chock becomes difficult to withdraw due to vehicle pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The retention arm is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned to a location slightly ahead of the wheel. This dynamic positioning maintains effective retention during loading while facilitating easy withdrawal by moving the retention surface away from the pressure point. The structure/carriage can also move to different anchoring points to optimize both retention and withdrawal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure/carriage is designed to automatically move to the appropriate anchoring point before the retention operation is completed. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the retention arm engages the wheel, the structure is already in the optimal position for both effective retention and subsequent easy withdrawal, eliminating the need to force the chock against vehicle pressure.
3Ease of manufacture
If anchoring points are disposed on upper or lateral parts exposed to entrance, then the device structure is simple, but dirt entry impairs anchoring function
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring points are repositioned from the upper or lateral surfaces (2D exposure) to the lower surface of the guide (different spatial dimension). This dimensional change places the openings, teeth, or interlockings on the bottom side of the guide structure, which is less exposed to dirt entry during vehicle movement. The anchoring function remains intact while reducing harmful dirt exposure through spatial repositioning.
4Reliability
If hydraulic or pneumatic means are used for chocking, then retention reliability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chocking device is designed to be self-servicing through its mechanical movement along the guide. The structure/carriage moves automatically or manually to position the retention arm at the correct anchoring point without requiring external hydraulic or pneumatic power supplies. The device uses its own mechanical components (movement/blocking piece, guidance system, release mechanism) to achieve reliable retention, eliminating complex power supply systems while maintaining effectiveness.
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 device achieves precise wheel adjustment and effective retention with reduced inertia and ease of operation, minimizing damage and ensuring accurate positioning and easy release, even under pressure, while being adaptable for manual or motorized operation.
Implementation Method 1
a guidance system with inclined teeth for precise positioning and blocking, allowing movement in one direction while blocking in another
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mechanical device for chocking vehicles and trailers in loading and unloading bays to prevent them from moving from their position with respect to the bay during said loading and unloading actions by placing the chock in contact with the wheel of the vehicle with great accuracy, thanks to a movement system with discreet interlocking elements separated by a small distance therebetween, with movement free from the element that has the blocking system in one of the directions and that is automatically blocked in the other direction, facilitating unblocking thereof even if said wheel exerts pressure on the chock.