Tire Chock Anti-Theft Design Using Segmented Trunnion Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire chocks are susceptible to theft and have complex, expensive linkage assemblies that complicate manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A tire chock design featuring a partially threaded rod with trunnions and locking members, along with an X-shaped linkage mechanism that expands or contracts to secure the wheel, and a locking mechanism using apertures and pins to prevent removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional tire chock design is used, then the wheel can be effectively locked in place, but the chock is susceptible to theft as it can be removed with a wrench
Solution Approach 1:
The chock body is divided into upper and lower halves that can be separated, with the lower half remaining attached to the wheel after removal. This segmentation allows the chock to be partially removed while maintaining security through the retained lower portion.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking pin serves as an intermediary element that connects the upper and lower chock halves. The pin passes through alignment holes in both halves and is secured by a retaining clip, creating an intermediate locking mechanism that prevents unauthorized removal.
2Reliability
If a complex linkage assembly is used in the tire chock, then the engagement position can be secured, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex linkage assembly is completely removed from the design. Instead, a simple rod with collar directly connects the upper and lower chock halves, extracting the unnecessary complexity while maintaining the essential engagement function.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using a complex mechanism to achieve engagement security, the design inverts the approach by using simple geometric alignment (perpendicular holes requiring 90-degree rotation) and basic mechanical elements (rod, collar, pin) to achieve the same security objective with minimal complexity.
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 design enhances security by preventing theft and simplifies manufacturing with a cost-effective, reliable locking mechanism that secures the wheel effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an at least partially threaded rod; a lower trunnion threadedly attached to the rod, the lower trunnion translating axially relative to the rod upon rotation of the rod relative to the lower trunnion; a pair of linkage arms, the pair of linkage arms forming an X-shape
Implementation Method 2
first and second locking members, one locking member being rotatably fixed relative to the rod, the other locking member being rotatably fixed relative to the first trunnion
Data Source
AI summary
A tire chock having an at least partially threaded rod; a first trunnion having an aperture therethrough that receives the rod; first and second locking members, one locking member being rotatably fixed relative to the rod, the other locking member being rotatably fixed relative to the first trunnion. A tire chock may alternatively have an at least partially threaded rod; an upper trunnion rotatably attached to the rod; a lower trunnion threadedly attached to the rod, the lower trunnion translating axially relative to the rod upon rotation of the rod relative to the lower trunnion; a pair of linkage arms, the pair of linkage arms forming an X-shape, each linkage arm being connected to the lower trunnion by a drive arm and being connected to the upper trunnion by a support arm, wherein, as the rod is rotated relative to the lower trunnion, the linkage arms expand or contract.