Vehicle Leveler Door Interlock for Adjustable Dock Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle levelers have limited adjustability and cannot accommodate all types of vehicles, leading to unsafe cargo loading and unloading, and lack a mechanism to prevent accidental lowering when a vehicle's door blocks photoelectric sensors.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle leveler with highly adjustable ramp sections and a door interlock system using photoelectric sensors that can elevate both rear and front axles to minimize floor slope and prevent lowering when a vehicle door obstructs the sensor path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the leveler uses fixed ramp surfaces, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate all types of vehicles and is not highly adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The leveler is divided into multiple separate sections (ramp section, flat section, extension section) that can be independently adjusted in length and angle. Each section can be positioned at different configurations to accommodate various vehicle types and dock heights, providing high adaptability while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveler incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow the ramp sections to be dynamically reconfigured. The sections can be positioned at different angles and lengths to match various vehicle configurations, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable system that responds to different loading scenarios.
2Reliability
If the leveler allows free lowering, then operation is simple, but it may cause injury or damage when a vehicle door blocks the photoelectric sensor path
Solution Approach 1:
Photoelectric sensors are positioned to detect the presence of vehicle doors in the lowering path. When a door blocks the sensor beam, the system receives feedback and automatically prevents the leveler from lowering, even if the control switch is activated. This feedback mechanism ensures safety by overriding normal operation when a hazardous condition is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The photoelectric sensors are positioned in advance to detect potential hazards before lowering occurs. By detecting blocked paths beforehand, the system takes preliminary action to prevent dangerous lowering operations, stopping the process before injury or damage can occur rather than reacting after the fact.
3Ease of operation
If the leveler has a single flat surface, then the structure is simple, but it cannot minimize floor slope for vehicles with both front and rear axles
Solution Approach 1:
The leveler is divided into multiple sections (ramp section, flat section, extension section) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for specific functions: the ramp section for initial elevation, the flat section for stable cargo area, and the extension section for additional support, collectively achieving minimal floor slope for multi-axle vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the leveler are designed with different characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The ramp section provides elevation capability, the flat section provides a stable platform for cargo, and the extension section provides additional support. Each local section has qualities tailored to its purpose, achieving overall optimal performance for vehicle loading.
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 vehicle leveler provides safe and adaptable loading/unloading by minimizing floor slope and preventing accidental movement due to blocked sensors, accommodating various vehicle sizes and types, and ensuring driver safety with a wide walkway and durable metal grating surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a door interlock system having at least one pair of photoelectric sensors with a sensor path
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle leveler which includes a first portion with a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge is disposed further from the driveway than the leading edge. The leveler also includes a second portion with a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge of the second portion is disposed further from the driveway than the trailing edge of the second portion. The vehicle leveler has a door interlock system with at least one pair of photoelectric sensors with a sensor path. When a vehicle is being loaded or unloaded on the vehicle leveler, and at least one of the vehicle doors is opened, the door blocks the sensor path of the photoelectric sensors and prevents the vehicle leveler from lowering or raising.