Loading Ramp Guide Block With Wheel Sled for Semitrailer Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for preventing semitrailer collisions with loading ramps are ineffective due to varying wheelbase lengths among different semitrailers, leading to potential damage from collisions and issues with tire rain flaps.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor unit, guide block with a sled-like wheel blocking means, and a rain flap isolation device that passively adjusts its position based on the semitrailer's approach, ensuring the rear wheel is supported and the rain flap is isolated, preventing collisions and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical stop is positioned in front of the rear wheels of the semitrailer, then collision prevention is improved, but the system becomes inapplicable to different semitrailer types due to varying wheelbase lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The guide block is designed to move dynamically between a retracted position (when no semitrailer is present) and a forwarding position (when a semitrailer is detected). This dynamic positioning allows the same physical structure to serve different semitrailer types by adjusting its location, while still providing reliable collision prevention when activated
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detects the presence of a semitrailer and provides feedback to the guide block, which then positions itself appropriately. This feedback mechanism ensures the guide block only becomes active when needed, maintaining collision prevention reliability while adapting to different semitrailer configurations
2Ease of operation
If the guide block moves passively from forwarded position to retracted position when pushed by the rear tire, then ease of operation is improved, but the rain flap may get caught between the tire and sled causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rain flap isolation device acts as an intermediary element positioned between the rear tire and the guide block. When the tire pushes the guide block, the isolation device prevents the rain flap from being pinched, allowing the passive movement mechanism to operate while protecting the rain flap from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The rain flap isolation device is positioned in advance to prevent potential damage before it occurs. By placing this protective element between the tire and guide block beforehand, the system eliminates the harmful effect of rain flap pinching during the passive movement operation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for preventing semitrailer collisions with a loading ramp (10) comprising: —a sensor unit (100) comprising a sensor and configured for sensing when the rear end of a semitrailer (12) is approaching a loading ramp (10); —a guide block (200) adapted to be positioned on the ground, laterally and/or medially to the opening of a loading ramp; —the guide block comprises a first wheel blocking means configured as a sled (210) adapted for supporting the tread of a rear tire of the semitrailer, and moves from a forwarded position relative to said loading ramp to a retracted position relative to the ramp when being pushed by the rear tire as the semitrailer is reversing towards the ramp; —the sensor unit is configured to send a blocking signal to said guide block (200) when the distance between said rear end of said semitrailer (12) and said loading ramp (10) is below a preset threshold, wherein said wheel blocking means locks its position in response to said blocking signal, thereby blocking the movement of said sled; —a rain flap (14) isolation device adapted for preventing said rear tire and its rain flap from touching each other while said rear tire is positioned within said sled during its movement from a forwarded position relative to said loading ramp to a retracted position relative to said loading ramp when being pushed by said rear tire as said semitrailer is reversing towards said loading ramp.