Truck Wheel Locking Arm with Cam Roller Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for manually locking and unlocking truck wheels and carriages to guides are complex and difficult to operate efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a rotatable locking arm with uneven surfaces that interacts with a cam roller and adjustable locking mechanism, allowing for simple sideways rotation to lock and unlock the wheel, utilizing a rack and counter rack system with springs and a foot pedal mechanism for secure engagement and disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex locking mechanism is used to securely lock the wheel and carriage, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wheel locking function and carriage locking function into a single integrated device. The locking arm simultaneously engages with the wheel and the carriage is locked to the guide, allowing both functions to be performed by one mechanism rather than separate systems, thus maintaining high reliability while simplifying operation to a single action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs spring-loaded mechanisms that automatically engage locking components when the locking arm is positioned correctly. The springs provide automatic engagement force, reducing the physical effort required by the operator while ensuring reliable locking through mechanical self-actuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a simple locking mechanism is used for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of locking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidlocking reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs cam surfaces with curved profiles that convert the simple rotational motion of the locking arm into precise linear engagement of locking components. The cam geometry ensures that the locking components engage at the correct positions and maintain proper engagement force throughout the locking cycle, providing reliability through geometric constraint rather than complex control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the locking arm for positioning, the cam surfaces for motion conversion, and the locking components for final engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply while collectively providing reliable locking through the coordinated action of separated functional elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple locking components are used to secure the wheel and carriage, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arm serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions the carriage along the guide, engages the wheel blocking function, and triggers the carriage locking mechanism through its rotational motion. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive locking coverage, thereby reducing overall device complexity without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses pre-positioned cam surfaces and spring-loaded components that are already configured to engage at specific points in the locking arm's rotation. This preliminary arrangement of components eliminates the need for complex real-time control mechanisms, as the geometry and spring forces automatically guide the locking components into proper engagement positions, simplifying the overall mechanism while ensuring reliable locking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If a complex mechanism is used for secure locking and unlocking, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidloading/unloading efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking and unlocking operations are designed as continuous rotational motions of the locking arm rather than sequential step-by-step actions. The cam surfaces ensure continuous engagement of locking components throughout the rotation, and the spring mechanisms maintain continuous locking force. This continuity eliminates idle time between locking actions, maintaining high reliability while improving the speed and efficiency of the overall operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 easy and secure manual locking and unlocking of truck wheels to guides, ensuring safety during loading and unloading by preventing unintended movement and providing clear visual warnings to drivers.

Implementation Method 1

the cam roller provided on the adjusting organ, whereby at a movement upwards of the adjusting organ this can come into contact with the unevennesses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

the locking means provided onto the guide is formed by a rack and the locking means provided onto the adjusting organ is formed by a counter rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and pinion mechanism: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 3

springs and a foot pedal mechanism for secure engagement and disengagement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3028966B1Device for the manual blocking of the wheel of a truck on a lane in front of a facade with a loading and unloading platform
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 HORMANN ALKMAAR
  • EP3028966B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3028966B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3028966B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

Device for manual locking of the wheel (2)of a truck on a lane in front of a façade (4) with a loading and unloading platform (5), with a guide (8) provided alongside and parallel to the lane (3) and a carriage (9) movable thereon with a locking arm (11) that is moveable between a starting position, in which the locking arm (11) extends alongside the lane (3), and an end position, in which the locking arm (11) partially extends above the lane (3), and with locking means (16,19) for bringing about a locking of the carriage (9) to the guide (8), whereby by a movement of the locking arm (11) from the starting position to the end position, the locking means (19) are operated.