Vehicle Restraint with Movable Blocking Member for Dock Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle restraints for loading docks face limitations, particularly when engaging trucks without ICC bars, as they are not universally prevalent, and existing solutions like wheel chocks have limitations in certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle restraint system comprising a support member and a blocking member that can move between release and blocking positions, using a resilient shock-absorbing bumper to engage the rear impact guard or other structural elements of the truck, allowing for secure positioning without relying on the ICC bar, and incorporating a mechanism for easy manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wheel chocks or ICC-style restraints are used, then vehicle restraint function is provided, but adaptability to different truck configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint device incorporates a blocking member that can engage multiple types of truck structures including ICC bars, rear impact guards, and other structural elements. The device serves multiple functions: blocking forward movement, accommodating trucks with or without ICC bars, and adapting to various truck configurations through adjustable blocking member positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member is designed to be movable between release and blocking positions, allowing the device to dynamically adapt to different truck configurations. The support member can move vertically to accommodate varying heights and structural positions of different truck models, enabling reliable engagement across diverse vehicle types.
2Reliability
If ICC-style restraints are used, then engagement with ICC bar is achieved, but compatibility with trucks without ICC bar is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint device is designed to engage with multiple types of truck structures including ICC bars, rear impact guards, and other structural elements. The blocking member can be positioned to engage different structural features depending on the truck configuration, ensuring reliable engagement whether or not an ICC bar is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member's vertical position and the blocking member's horizontal position can be adjusted to accommodate different truck structures. This parameter adjustment allows the same device to reliably engage with various truck configurations, from those with ICC bars to those without, by changing the engagement parameters to match the specific truck structure.
3Reliability
If fixed vehicle restraints are installed, then vehicle positioning is secure, but ease of operation and manual manipulation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed to be movable between release and blocking positions, allowing manual manipulation while maintaining secure positioning when engaged. The support member can move vertically along its path, and the blocking member can be manually positioned horizontally to engage or disengage from truck structures, combining operational ease with positioning security.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a resilient shock-absorbing bumper that automatically engages with the truck structure upon contact, reducing the need for complex manual manipulation. The blocking member can be manually moved into position and will remain secure through the engagement mechanism, allowing operators to easily secure vehicles without requiring complex adjustment procedures.
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 effectively prevents forward movement of vehicles at loading docks, minimizing damage and simplifying operation by allowing secure engagement of various truck structures, enhancing safety and usability across different truck configurations.
Implementation Method 1
using a resilient shock-absorbing bumper to engage the rear impact guard or other structural elements of the truck
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle restraints are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint disclosed herein includes a deck installable at the loading dock and a lip extending from the deck where the deck and lip are movable between a stored configuration and an operative configuration such that the deck and lip in the operative configuration provide a bridge between a vehicle bed and a platform when the deck is installed at a loading dock and the vehicle is at the loading dock. A blocking member is selectively attachable to the lip to selectively engage and disengage a restraint feature of the vehicle bed. The blocking member restricts forward movement of the vehicle relative to the loading dock when the blocking is engaged with the restrain feature and the blocking member allows forward movement of the vehicle relative to the loading dock when the blocking is disengaged from the restraint.