Freely Rotatable Nut Tire Chock for Rapid Wrench-Free Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire chocks are slow to adjust and prone to theft due to the need for a wrench to operate them, which hampers quick positioning and security.
Innovation Solution
A tire chock design featuring a freely rotatable nut on a threaded rod for quick adjustment, a lower support arch to eliminate wrench dependency, and a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized removal, along with a cam mechanism for final tightening and enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded rod with locking members is used to secure the scissor frame, then the chock can be locked in position, but it requires a wrench to operate and is slow to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent parts: a freely rotatable nut for quick adjustment and a separate locking member for security. This allows the adjustment function and locking function to be performed independently, enabling quick positioning followed by secure locking without requiring wrench removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The freely rotatable nut allows preliminary adjustment to be completed quickly by hand before the final locking step. The user can rapidly position the chock using the rotatable nut, then apply the locking member to secure it, separating the time-consuming locking operation from the quick adjustment operation.
2Reliability
If a threaded rod with locking members is used to secure the scissor frame, then the chock can be locked in position, but it is easily stolen with the correct size wrench
Solution Approach 1:
A locking member cover acts as an intermediary protective element that covers and protects the head of the threaded rod and locking mechanisms. This cover prevents unauthorized access to the locking mechanisms, making theft difficult without damaging the cover, while still allowing authorized users to operate the chock by removing the cover.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the scissor frame is expanded by turning the threaded rod, then the chock width is adjusted, but the process is slow and requires a wrench
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into a freely rotatable nut for rapid width adjustment and a separate locking mechanism for securing the position. The rotatable nut can be quickly turned by hand to expand or contract the scissor frame to the desired width, eliminating the need for a wrench during the adjustment phase.
4Reliability
If the chock design includes multiple locking members and arches, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member serves multiple functions: it secures the scissor frame width, prevents theft, and can be covered by a protective cover that also serves as a deterrent. The lower support arch provides both structural support and a mounting point for the freely rotatable nut. These multi-functional components reduce the need for additional separate parts.
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
Enables rapid and secure positioning of tire chocks between wheels without requiring a wrench, enhancing adjustability and theft prevention.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded rod is used to secure a scissor frame in an expanded position
Implementation Method 2
The scissor frame is attached to a plurality of foot plates which compressively and frictionally engage tires or wheels, thereby preventing the tires or wheels from rotating
Data Source
AI summary
A tire chock with improved ease of use and prevention of theft. A threaded rod expands a scissor frame to force foot plates against a tire. The scissor frame foot plates are pulled apart or pushed together so that the frame fits between the tires. A hand-adjustable, freely rotatable nut is on the lower end of the rod is tightened. A wrench is used to tighten a second nut on the upper end of the rod, and a lock member is secured over the second nut.