Resilient Wheel Restraint Device for Noise-Free Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing restraint systems for agricultural and work machines are cumbersome, noisy, and inconvenient to use, especially when transporting, due to loose metallic elements and complex designs, which cause discomfort and operational issues on undulated terrain.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base member, a support member, and a resilient member that can transition between restraining and non-restraining positions using retractable force, allowing for easy adaptation, simple design, and noise-free transport, with the resilient member being made of spring steel or similar materials and featuring linear folds for folding and locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If loose metallic elements like chains and locks are used in restraint systems, then the device can achieve simple design and effective restraint, but it generates undesirable noises and causes discomfort to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all loose metallic elements (chains, locks, rings) from the restraint system, extracting the noise-generating components while retaining the restraint function through a integrated plastic body with interlocking features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple separate components (base member, support member, locking mechanism) into a single integrated plastic body, eliminating the need for separate metallic elements and their associated noise
2Reliability
If complex devices with linkages and trunnions are used for restraint, then effective restraint is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to use and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the restraint device into two main segments (first member and second member) that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the device to be compact for storage yet functional for restraint, avoiding cumbersome linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic rotation joints that allow the members to move from a compact stored position to an extended restraint position, providing adaptability without complex linkages
3Volume of moving object
If foldable wheel chocks with loose parts are used, then compact design is achieved, but loose parts knock against each other causing noise and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all components into a single plastic body where the locking features are built-in, eliminating loose parts that would knock together during transport while maintaining compact foldability
4Device complexity
If restraining devices are not easily adaptable to various sizes of ground engaging means, then simple design is maintained, but versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the restraint device with universal features including adjustable members and multiple engagement positions, allowing it to accommodate various wheel sizes and types while maintaining a simple integrated design
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 effectively restrains ground engaging means without external force, is easy to manufacture and use, and can be easily packed and carried without noise, as it stores retractable force for automatic deployment, addressing the limitations of prior systems.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member with its two ends removably or fixedly connected to the free ends of the base member and the support member... the resilient member being retractable or in other words an ability to spring back
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a
AI summary
A device (10) for restraining a ground engaging means of an agricultural machine or a work machine has a restraining disposition (A) and a non-restraining disposition (B). The device (10) comprises a base member (20) engageable with the ground, a support member (24) with its one end (23) movably connected to one end (21) of the base member (20) and a resilient member (28). The resilient member (28) is connected to a free end (22) of the base member (20) and a free end (25) of the support member (24) in that the device (10) assumes the restraining disposition (A) by means of a retractable force induced on the resilient member (28) while moving the device (10) to the non-restraining disposition (B).