Power-Assisted Wheel Chock With Interlocking Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheel chock restraint systems are inadequate in preventing truck movement from loading docks, as they can be displaced, damaged, or stolen, and fail to provide strong security against theft and hazardous situations during loading and unloading operations, especially on varied surfaces and configurations.
Innovation Solution
A wheel chock restraint system featuring a primary chock with teeth and a secondary locking member that operates in a counter direction, combined with sensors and a power source for enhanced security, utilizing a spring mechanism for easy manipulation and a secondary chock for additional immobilization, made from high-tensile weather-resistant steel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual chocks are used to restrain wheels, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but the chocks can be displaced, damaged, lost, or stolen and may slip on icy, oily or dusty surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical actuating mechanism serves as an intermediary between the operator and the chock, providing controlled deployment and retrieval while preventing direct manual handling. The mechanism includes a chock receiving cavity with a door that can be opened to deploy the chock or closed to secure it, eliminating the need for operators to directly manipulate the chock on slippery surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The chock system performs self-service through automatic positioning and securing mechanisms. The chock is automatically deployed into position under the wheel and secured by the mechanical actuating mechanism, reducing reliance on manual placement and retrieval operations that are prone to errors on slippery surfaces
2Reliability
If mechanical wheel chock systems are used, then they are more effective at restraining wheels, but they are not very easy to service and often have to travel a substantial distance from storage into operative position
Solution Approach 1:
The chock storage cavity and actuating mechanism are merged into a single integrated unit mounted on the vehicle. The chock receiving cavity is formed as part of the vehicle structure, and the actuating mechanism is integrated within the same assembly, eliminating the need for separate storage and deployment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The chock is pre-positioned within the chock receiving cavity in readiness for deployment. The mechanical actuating mechanism is pre-configured to automatically deploy the chock when activated, eliminating the need for manual retrieval and positioning operations during critical restraint situations
3Adaptability or versatility
If ICC bar restraint systems are used, then they are suitable for a majority of trailers, but they are built to absorb rear impact and are not designed to resist strong pulling forces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using an ICC bar designed for push forces (rear impact absorption), the system inverts the approach by using a wheel chock designed specifically to resist pull forces. The chock engages the wheel from the opposite direction, providing restraint against the specific force vector that ICC bars cannot effectively counteract
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 system effectively secures trucks in place, preventing theft and ensuring safety during loading and unloading by providing a strong restraining force of up to 60,000 lbs, with sensors and a power-assisted secondary chock for enhanced control and authorization.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a spring mechanism for easy manipulation
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel chock restraint system which comprises a wheel chock having a base, a plurality of teeth extending outwardly from the base, the teeth extending in a first direction, and a locking member mounted within the chock, the locking member having a plurality of locking member teeth extending from a bottom thereof, the locking member teeth extending in a second direction generally opposed to the first direction, and an arrangement for moving the locking member in a generally vertical direction.