Retractable Vehicle Restraint with Motorized Spool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle restraints at loading docks are cumbersome, pose risks of injury due to manual tensioning and backlash, and require complex handling, with loose ties and ends being difficult to manage, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle restraint system with a retractable coupling and preloading unit, featuring a spool and spiral spring for automatic tensioning and release, integrated with a ratchet and pawl mechanism for secure and ergonomic operation, and sensors for overload detection, allowing for easy and secure vehicle restraint with reduced manual effort and risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tensioning devices are used to restrain vehicles, then the vehicle can be secured to the loading dock, but the tensioning device may swing back and forth following handle movement creating injury risk to operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tensioning with an automated motor-driven spool system. The motor winds the retractable coupling onto the spool, eliminating manual handle operation and the associated swinging motion that created injury risks. The automated system provides controlled tensioning without operator exposure to moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-tensioning through the motorized spool mechanism that automatically winds the coupling onto the spool when activated. The spiral spring also provides automatic retraction capability, allowing the system to service itself without manual intervention for both tensioning and release operations.
2Reliability
If traditional straps and chains are used for vehicle restraint, then the vehicle can be secured, but the loose ends are tedious to keep track of and the device is difficult and cumbersome to tighten
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional straps and chains with a retractable coupling mechanism driven by a motorized spool. This substitution eliminates loose ends entirely, as the coupling is automatically wound onto the spool. The system provides clean, controlled operation without the handling difficulties of traditional restraint devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic loose ends and excessive length characteristics of traditional straps and chains. The retractable coupling is contained within the spool mechanism, removing the clutter and handling issues associated with long, loose restraint elements.
3Reliability
If manual tensioning devices are used, then the vehicle can be restrained, but the release of tensioning may cause the whole tensioning device to backlash in a hazardous way
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual tensioning and release operations with automated motor control. The motor-controlled spool system provides controlled unwinding during release, preventing the uncontrolled backlash that occurs with manual device release. The automated system manages the entire tensioning and release cycle without operator exposure to hazardous motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect vehicle presence and restraint status, providing feedback control for the motorized spool. This feedback mechanism ensures controlled operation during both tensioning and release, preventing hazardous backlash by monitoring and regulating the coupling's motion throughout the entire cycle.
4Reliability
If multiple preparation steps are required for prior art tensioning devices, then the device can be properly configured, but the number of steps increases operation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized spool system with automated coupling retraction performs preparation functions automatically. The spiral spring provides automatic retraction of the coupling onto the spool when not in use, eliminating manual winding and preparation steps. The system prepares itself for the next operation without requiring operator intervention for resetting or reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions automatically through the motorized mechanism. The coupling is pre-positioned on the spool and automatically deployed when needed, eliminating the sequence of manual preparation steps required by traditional devices. The motorized system handles all preparation functions in advance without operator involvement.
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 simplifies the restraint process, reduces the number of steps required, eliminates clutter, and enhances safety by providing a secure and intuitive method for restraining vehicles, while sensors monitor the restraint status to prevent accidents and ensure efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spiral spring biasing the spool for preloading and retracting the retractable coupling
Implementation Method 2
integrated with a ratchet and pawl mechanism for secure and ergonomic operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an apparatus (10) for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock and a system for control of said vehicle restraining, comprising a control arrangement (20), which comprises a retractable coupling (40) adapted to be releasable connected to the vehicle for restraining the vehicle, and which control arrangement is adapted to control tensioning and release of the tension of the restraining of the vehicle (1).