Manual Hook Latch Assembly for Secure RIG Bar Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle trailer restraints that rely on electromechanical systems are complex to install and become unusable during power outages, and manual hook systems fail to prevent hazardous hook rotation when the RIG bar is not properly captured.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated vehicle restraining system with a hook mounted to a main shaft, biased by a spring, and a latch assembly that controls the hook's rotation, featuring a safety mechanism to prevent downward movement if the RIG bar is not fully captured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a manually operated hook system is used, then the system becomes simpler and does not require power, but the hook can still rotate downward and lose engagement with the RIG bar under certain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is positioned to engage with the hook shaft before the hook can rotate downward into a disengaged position. The latch physically blocks the shaft's rotation in the downward direction, preventing the harmful movement before it can occur. This preliminary blocking action ensures the hook maintains reliable engagement with the RIG bar even when subjected to forces that would otherwise cause disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly acts as an intermediary component between the hook shaft and the potential downward rotation. Rather than directly controlling the hook's engagement with the RIG bar, the latch mediates the shaft's rotational movement by allowing rotation in the upward direction while blocking rotation in the downward direction. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by adding a simple protective element that maintains reliability without significantly increasing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hook allows limited horizontal motion to accommodate RIG bar movement, then the system adapts to different positions, but the hook may be pulled into a position where it loses contact with the RIG bar
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly prevents the shaft from rotating downward into positions where the hook would lose contact with the RIG bar. By blocking downward rotation, the latch ensures that even when horizontal motion occurs to accommodate RIG bar movement, the hook remains in a reliable engagement position and cannot be pulled into a disengaged state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic horizontal motion of the hook relative to the loading dock while constraining the vertical rotation through the latch mechanism. The hook can move horizontally to adapt to RIG bar position changes, but the latch prevents the shaft from rotating downward, creating a dynamic system that maintains reliable engagement through controlled degrees of freedom.
3Ease of operation
If an electromechanical system is used to operate the hook, then precise control is achieved, but the system becomes complex and unusable during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply and control electronics from the hook operation system, eliminating the electromechanical components that cause complexity and power dependency. The hook is instead operated manually through direct mechanical manipulation, removing the need for motors, sensors, and control systems while maintaining the essential restraining function.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual hook system requires the operator to directly manipulate the hook and latch mechanisms without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The system serves itself through simple mechanical inputs from the operator, eliminating dependency on electrical infrastructure and reducing installation complexity while maintaining operational 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
Ensures reliable and safe trailer restraint without power dependency, preventing hazardous hook rotation and ensuring secure engagement with the RIG bar, even in non-standard configurations.
Implementation Method 1
A main spring is operably connected to the main shaft. The main spring is capable of rotating the main shaft and hook.
Data Source
AI summary
The manual vehicle restraint system utilizes a hook mounted to a main shaft to immobilize a vehicle. The hook and the main shaft rotate around a common axis, biased to rotate by a spring. A latch assembly operably connected to the main shaft may be manually actuated to allow rotation of the main shaft and hook to raise the hook and capture a vehicle. Raising of the hook does not require a power source other than the spring.