Manual Vehicle Wheel Blocking with Auto-Lock Carriage Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional manual blocking devices for vehicles at loading-unloading stations suffer from insufficient robustness, incorrect usage, and malfunctioning due to weather conditions, leading to unsafe loading/unloading operations.

Innovation Solution

A manual blocking device with a guide track, carriage, blocking element, manual drive, locking mechanism, and automatic lock, ensuring correct positioning and secure locking of the blocking element, using a sliding mechanism and separate locking handle for enhanced safety and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional manual blocking device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the robustness is insufficient and reliability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking device reliabilityVSAvoidblocking device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device is divided into separate functional modules: a carriage for positioning, a blocking element for actual blocking, a locking mechanism for securing the carriage, and an automatic lock for maintaining the locked state. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide reliable blocking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic lock is engaged automatically when the carriage is positioned correctly, before the blocking operation begins. This preliminary locking action ensures that the blocking element remains securely in position throughout the loading/unloading operation, preventing unauthorized movement without requiring continuous manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the blocking element is moved manually, then the device is simple to operate, but incorrect positioning and premature retraction occur leading to unsafe situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking element positioning accuracyVSAvoidblocking element operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automatic lock engages only when the carriage reaches the correct position, providing tactile and visual confirmation to the operator. This feedback loop prevents premature retraction and incorrect positioning by ensuring the blocking element is only moved to the blocking position when properly aligned with the vehicle wheel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic lock mechanism self-activates when the carriage is positioned correctly, without requiring additional manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically securing the blocking element in the correct position, reducing the risk of human error while maintaining ease of operation through automatic rather than manual locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the blocking device is operated in various weather conditions, then the device must be robust, but conventional manual systems malfunction due to freezing, raining, and dirt collection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking device performance in weather conditionsVSAvoidweather conditions impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element and carriage are designed with protective coverings that shield the mechanical components from direct exposure to weather elements. These protective shells prevent water, dirt, and ice from penetrating into the internal mechanisms, allowing the device to operate reliably in freezing, raining, or dusty conditions without malfunctioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP4656566A1Manual blocking device for blocking a vehicle, dock and distribution centre provided therewith, and method for blocking a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 STERTIL
  • EP4656566A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4656566A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4656566A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C

AI summary

The present invention relates to manual blocking device for blocking a vehicle, dock and distribution centre provided therewith and method for blocking a vehicle. The manual blocking device according to the invention comprises: - a guide track with guide track supports disposed along a driveway; - a carriage attached to the guide track with a blocking element, with the carriage being capable of moving along the guide track, and comprising a manual carriage drive; - a blocking element extension mechanism configured to extend the blocking element between a retracted position and a blocking position, wherein the blocking element extension mechanism comprising a manual blocking drive; - a locking mechanism having a locking position configured for locking the carriage; and - an automatic lock configured for maintaining the lock mechanism in its locking position, wherein the automatic lock comprises a releaser that is configured for unlocking the automatic lock.