Synthetic Control Arm Skate for Disabled Vehicle Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for relocating disabled vehicles with damaged or missing wheels are inefficient and prone to causing further damage, as they rely on wood blocks that are easily damaged, difficult to position, and lack consistent support, leading to unpredictable and time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic, one-piece skate made of synthetic material, such as recycled polypropylene, with inclined ends and customizable upper surface configurations to accommodate various vehicle parts, providing stable support and sliding functionality without the need for additional ramps or boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wood blocks are used to support disabled vehicles, then the vehicle can be relocated, but the wood blocks are easily damaged, difficult to position, and lack consistent support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from wood to synthetic material (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), which fundamentally alters the friction characteristics and mechanical properties. This material substitution provides consistent support surfaces and predictable sliding behavior, resolving the reliability and positioning issues associated with wood blocks
Solution Approach 2:
The skate features curved sliding surfaces and rounded edges that facilitate easier positioning and sliding under the vehicle. The curved geometry allows the skate to be more easily maneuvered into position and provides smoother transition surfaces compared to the flat, angular wood blocks
2Reliability
If multiple wood blocks are used to provide sufficient support, then the vehicle can be stabilized, but the number of articles increases and storage space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple support functions into a single integrated skate unit. The skate's design incorporates features that simultaneously provide stabilization, sliding support, and positioning capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple separate wood blocks and reducing the quantity of equipment needed
Solution Approach 2:
The skate is designed as a multi-functional device that can support various vehicle configurations and damage scenarios. The universal design accommodates different wheel positions and vehicle types, allowing one skate to replace multiple specialized wood blocks
3Ease of operation
If wood blocks with smooth upper surfaces are used, then the vehicle parts can rest on them, but the blocks do not retain the damaged parts in the required position
Solution Approach 1:
The skate incorporates localized surface features such as recesses, channels, or textured areas on the upper surface that specifically engage with vehicle parts. These local modifications provide retention capabilities in specific zones while maintaining smooth sliding surfaces in other areas, achieving both ease of operation and positioning accuracy
4Reliability
If square wood blocks are used to provide support, then the vehicle can be lifted, but they are difficult to slide and require extra ramps
Solution Approach 1:
The skate replaces the square geometry of wood blocks with curved surfaces and rounded edges. This geometric transformation reduces friction during sliding operations and eliminates the need for additional ramps, while the curved contact surfaces maintain stable support capabilities
5Productivity
If wood blocks are used to reduce resistance, then the vehicle can be moved, but the resistance reduction is inconsistent and results are unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from wood to synthetic material, which fundamentally alters the friction characteristics. The synthetic material provides consistent, predictable low-friction surfaces that deliver reliable resistance reduction across different operating conditions, improving both productivity and reliability
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
Facilitates the safe and efficient relocation of disabled vehicles by minimizing further damage to the vehicle and the transport surface, reducing the risk of ignition, and allowing for smooth loading and unloading without additional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A monolithic one-piece skate constructed of synthetic material having a low, nearly constant co-efficient of friction to facilitate sliding
Data Source
AI summary
A control arm skate of synthetic material facilitates movement of a disabled vehicle. A sliding block has two inclined ends facilitating sliding of the block in opposite directions with a disabled vehicle thereon without further damage to the vehicle or support surface over which it is moved. An upper block face is configured to receive a vehicle part so pulling of the vehicle draws the block with it, sliding over a surface while bearing vehicle weight.