Vehicle Restraint Barrier and Brace Mechanism for RIG Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle restraints with anti-rotation features face interference from varying supporting structures of the truck's Rear Impact Guard (RIG) during loading and unloading operations, which can hinder effective restraint and release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle restraint system with a movable barrier and brace mechanism that engages the RIG, allowing for multiple blocking positions and a stored position, utilizing an actuator to rotate the barrier and brace between positions to securely restrain and release the truck, while minimizing damage from varying RIG structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hook-style restraint engages the RIG bar to prevent truck movement, then the truck is securely restrained from moving away from the dock, but the varying supporting structure of the RIG can interfere with the restraint operation and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system employs a movable barrier that can dynamically adjust its position between a blocking position (when engaged with the RIG bar) and a retracted position (when not engaged). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying RIG supporting structures, preventing interference and damage while maintaining secure restraint when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier acts as an intermediary element between the restraint mechanism and the RIG bar. By positioning the barrier between these components, the system can engage the standardized RIG bar while isolating the varying supporting structure from direct interference, thus resolving the contradiction between secure engagement and structural interference
2Reliability
If the restraint barrier is positioned to block the RIG bar for secure restraint, then the truck cannot move away, but the barrier must be movable to allow release and prepare for the next truck
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is designed with movable capability, allowing it to transition between a blocking position (providing secure restraint) and a retracted position (enabling easy release). This dynamic positioning ensures both reliable restraint during loading operations and convenient release for the next truck, resolving the contradiction between security and operational ease
3Reliability
If the restraint applies sufficient force to prevent truck movement, then the truck is securely held at the dock, but excessive force can cause damage to the RIG bar or supporting structure
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier serves as a protective intermediary that distributes and limits the contact force between the restraint mechanism and the RIG bar. By controlling the engagement geometry and force distribution through this intermediary element, the system maintains sufficient restraint force to hold the truck securely while preventing excessive localized forces that could damage the RIG structure
Data Source
AI summary
Example vehicle restraints having example anti-rotation features are disclosed herein. In some examples, an actuator in the form of a hydraulic cylinder moves both a vehicle barrier and its brace between stored and activated positions. If the vehicle pushes the barrier from an upper blocking position to an intermediate blocking position, the brace helps support the barrier at the intermediate blocking position to prevent the vehicle from further pushing the barrier to its stored position. To avoid damaging a cover plate or other relatively weak areas of a vehicle's RIG (rear impact guard), some example barriers disclosed herein exert a holding force that is less at the upper blocking position than at the intermediate blocking position.