Trailer Restraint Auxiliary Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer restraints fail to securely engage the RIG bar due to 'dock-walk' movements, obstruction issues, and varying trailer heights, leading to safety risks and maintenance challenges, and are prone to wear and tear, which can result in the hook disengaging from the RIG bar.
Innovation Solution
An impact vehicle restraint with a hook and auxiliary locking mechanism that secures the RIG bar, using a motor to rotate the hook between positions and a biasing mechanism to maintain engagement, even when obstructed, and a compact design that accommodates various trailer heights and RIG bar positions, reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional hook restraint is used to secure the trailer, then the structure is simple, but the hook can be forced down and out of engagement with the RIG bar due to dock-walk movements and trailer vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint device is divided into two independent engagement points: the upper hook that engages the top corner of the RIG bar, and the lower auxiliary locking mechanism that engages the bottom surface of the RIG bar. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, preventing the hook from being forced out of engagement while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary locking mechanism adds a vertical dimension to the engagement system by contacting the bottom surface of the RIG bar, while the hook engages the top corner. This multi-dimensional engagement approach creates redundant security against dock-walk movements without requiring excessive complexity in any single component
2Reliability
If the hook is designed to engage the upper corner of the RIG bar, then engagement is secure, but obstructions on the RIG bar prevent the hook from gripping the upper corner
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary locking mechanism acts as an intermediary engagement point that contacts the bottom surface of the RIG bar when obstructions prevent the hook from properly engaging the upper corner. This intermediary contact point provides alternative security without requiring modification of the hook design, thereby maintaining adaptability to various RIG bar configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides primary engagement when the RIG bar is unobstructed, and it provides alternative engagement when obstructions are present. This multi-functionality allows the restraint system to adapt to various RIG bar conditions without sacrificing engagement security
3Strength
If the restraint is designed to withstand 100,000 pounds of pull-away force, then strength is sufficient, but load bearing components may be damaged and require expensive replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is segmented between the hook and the auxiliary locking mechanism, with each component designed to handle a portion of the 100,000-pound force. This distribution of mechanical stress reduces the burden on any single component, extending service life and reducing replacement costs while maintaining overall system strength
4Adaptability or versatility
If the restraint accommodates a variety of trailer heights and RIG locations, then versatility is improved, but the carriage and restraint components must be larger
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow it to adapt to various trailer heights and RIG bar positions without requiring a larger overall structure. The system can move and adjust its engagement points to match different configurations, maintaining compact dimensions while achieving high versatility
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 solution ensures the hook remains engaged during loading and unloading, withstands 100,000 pounds of trailer pull-away force, reduces maintenance costs, and is user-friendly, with a passive locking mechanism that does not require an independent motor, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism to maintain engagement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an impact vehicle restraint with a hook and auxiliary securing/locking mechanism that combine to secure the RIG bar of a trailer to a loading dock. A motor rotates the hook between retracted and extended positions. When extended, the hook secures and holds the RIG bar to the dock. When the hook is extended, the auxiliary securing/locking mechanism is also extended to and held at a set position by a biasing mechanism. When the hook is blocked by an obstruction, forward movement of the trailer causes the RIG bar and the obstruction to slide into engagement with the auxiliary securing/locking mechanism, which accepts the RIG bar and obstruction and moves to a locked position to secure the RIG bar. The retraction of the hook by the motor overpowers the biasing mechanism and causes the retraction of the auxiliary securing/locking mechanism.