Vehicle Blocking Element Height Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle blocking systems are complex, costly, and prone to malfunction due to sensor dependency, which affects their accuracy and reliability, especially in varying weather conditions and vehicle tire sizes.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle blocking system that uses a rotating blocking element with a spring extension mechanism and height adjustment capabilities, eliminating the need for additional sensors by calculating the desired height based on tire diameter contact points, and incorporating a self-propelled carrier for increased flexibility and reduced part count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are used to determine the correct position of the blocking means relative to the vehicle tire, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes sensors from the blocking device entirely, extracting the measurement function from the device. Instead of using sensors to detect tire position, the system uses the blocking element's own mechanical contact with the tire to determine positioning, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element serves dual functions: it both blocks the tire and determines the correct positioning through its own mechanical interaction with the tire. The system uses itself for measurement rather than requiring separate sensing components, reducing complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If sensors are used to determine the correct position of the blocking means, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the reliability decreases due to sensor malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By removing sensors from the system, the patent eliminates the reliability issues associated with sensor malfunction. The mechanical contact-based positioning method is inherently more reliable as it does not depend on electronic sensing components that can fail

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element performs its own positioning function through direct mechanical contact with the tire, eliminating dependency on external sensing systems. This self-determination of position through mechanical interaction enhances reliability by removing vulnerable electronic components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the blocking element is extended to contact the vehicle tire, then the blocking effectiveness is improved, but the risk of inappropriate contact with truck parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking effectivenessVSAvoiddamage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is designed to be dynamically adjustable in its extension, allowing it to adapt its position and contact force based on the specific tire geometry and blocking requirements. This dynamic adjustment ensures effective blocking while minimizing the risk of damage through controlled, adaptive contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the extension parameter of the blocking element based on detected tire characteristics, adjusting the contact point and force to achieve effective blocking without causing damage. By varying the extension parameter according to specific conditions, the system optimizes both effectiveness and safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If height-adjusting means are added to accommodate different vehicle tire sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device incorporates dynamic height adjustment capabilities that allow it to adapt to different tire sizes and vehicle types. This dynamic adjustability ensures versatility across various vehicles while the adjustment mechanism is integrated into the existing structure to minimize additional complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system provides a robust, cost-effective, and low-maintenance solution for blocking vehicles of various sizes, minimizing sensor-related malfunctions and ensuring accurate positioning without additional sensors, enhancing operational reliability and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

the extension mechanism comprises a spring element configured to extend the blocking element after passing a vehicle tire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3186176B1System for blocking a vehicle, method there for and dock provided therewith
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 STERTIL
  • EP3186176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3186176B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3186176B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (14) for blocking a vehicle (10), a loading-unloading station provided therewith and a method therefor. The system comprises: • - a blocking device (28) capable of moving along the vehicle; • - a blocking element (32) attached to the blocking device capable of being positioned against a vehicle tire such that the vehicle is blocked; • - a blocking element extension mechanism configured to extend the blocking element from a retracted position to an extended position; • - height adjusting means (54) for height adjustment of the blocking element; and • - calculation means (34) for calculating the desired height of the blocking element with the blocking element in an extended position such that the blocking element is used for determining the position of the vehicle tire (12).