Vehicle Restraint Hook Eccentric Pivot Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dock restraint systems face issues with unclear status indicators, leading to confusion during vehicle engagement and disengagement, especially when trailers are unattended, and interference between the restraining member and the vehicle guard can cause jamming, making it difficult to secure or release the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle restraint system with a reduced number of independently operable status indicators, utilizing a single illumination device with varying intensity to indicate the current condition, and an eccentric pivot assembly that allows lateral translation and rotation of the hook assembly to prevent interference with the vehicle guard during engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple discrete status indicators are used to show restraint conditions, then the system can provide detailed information about engagement status, but personnel and vehicle operators become confused and unclear about the current condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete status indicators into a single integrated indicator that displays the overall restraint status. This single indicator merges the information from multiple discrete conditions (engaged/secure, engaged/non-secure, disengaged) into one unified display, eliminating the confusion caused by multiple separate indicators while preserving all necessary status information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes in the single status indicator to convey different restraint conditions. By changing the color of the indicator based on the current status (e.g., green for secure, yellow for non-secure, red for disengaged), the system provides clear, intuitive information that is easily distinguishable and eliminates the confusion associated with multiple discrete indicators.
2Reliability
If the restraining member directly engages the vehicle guard, then the vehicle can be securely restrained, but the restraining member may jam or interfere with the vehicle guard during engagement and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component between the restraining member and the vehicle guard. This intermediary element acts as a mediator that facilitates smooth engagement and disengagement while maintaining secure restraint. The intermediary prevents direct interference and jamming between the restraining member and vehicle guard, allowing reliable operation without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic engagement mechanism where the restraining member can move through multiple positions and orientations during engagement and disengagement. This dynamic movement allows the system to navigate around potential interference points on the vehicle guard, preventing jamming while maintaining secure restraint when engaged.
3Reliability
If the restraint system requires physical vehicle movement to resolve engagement issues, then the restraining member can be repositioned, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires available operators or drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the restraint system to automatically adjust and self-correct engagement issues without requiring external intervention. The system includes automatic detection mechanisms that identify engagement problems and trigger automated adjustments to resolve them, eliminating the need for operators or drivers to physically move the vehicle and reducing the time required to achieve proper engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the engagement status of the restraining member and provide real-time information about the system state. This feedback enables the control system to automatically detect engagement issues and initiate corrective actions, resolving problems quickly without requiring physical vehicle movement or operator intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle restraint system and a control system configured to manipulate an orientation of a vehicle restraint relative to a carriage that supports the restraint such that the hook is moveable between an engaged or extended position wherein the hook interferes with translation of vehicle relative to the vehicle restraint system and a disengaged or retracted position wherein the vehicle can be associated with or removed from interaction with the vehicle restraint system. The control system includes a single indicia whose output is manipulated such that a characteristic of the output of the indicia, rather that strictly operation thereof, indicates a secured or less than secured condition associated with operation of the restraint relative to a vehicle.