Universal Vehicle Wheel Chock Hanger for Auto-Rack Cars

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing auto-rack railroad cars face challenges in securely storing multiple types of vehicle wheel chocks when not in use, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies due to space constraints and the need for multiple dedicated brackets.

Innovation Solution

A universal vehicle wheel chock hanger is designed to be attached to the side wall of auto-rack cars, featuring a mounting base, locking pin receivers, and stabilizers, allowing for secure and removable storage of various chock types, reducing the need for multiple brackets and minimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated brackets are used for each chock type, then each chock type can be securely stored, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure storage of chocksVSAvoidnumber of different brackets

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single bracket structure that can accommodate multiple types of chocks through adjustable components. The bracket includes a base member with a first chock receiving portion and a second chock receiving portion, where the second portion can be repositioned along the base member to adapt to different chock types and sizes, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated brackets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the second chock receiving portion movable along the base member. This allows the bracket to dynamically adjust its configuration based on the specific chock type being stored, enabling a single bracket to serve multiple functions while maintaining secure storage capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If storage boxes are used for chocks, then chocks can be stored when not in use, but valuable deck space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechock storage capabilityVSAvoiddeck space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the chock storage function from the horizontal deck plane to the vertical side wall plane. The bracket is mounted on the side wall of the auto-rack car, utilizing vertical space that would otherwise be unused, thereby preserving valuable deck space for vehicle loading while still providing secure chock storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different types of chocks are used in an auto-rack car, then various wheel sizes can be accommodated, but the number of brackets needed increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different chock typesVSAvoidnumber of bracket types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single bracket structure that can accommodate multiple types of chocks through adjustable components. The bracket includes a base member with a first chock receiving portion and a second chock receiving portion, where the second portion can be repositioned along the base member to adapt to different chock types and sizes, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated brackets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the bracket into distinct functional portions: a base member and a second chock receiving portion that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for specific functions while working together to accommodate various chock types, reducing the need for completely different bracket designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11584288B2Vehicle wheel chock hanger

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 TRANSPORTATION IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments provide a vehicle wheel chock hanger for holding different vehicle wheel chocks of different vehicle restraint systems. Various embodiments provide a vehicle wheel chock hanger for vehicle restraint systems for a vehicle such as an auto-rack railroad car that is configured to hold various different chocks that are configured to secure vehicles in that vehicle.