Vehicle Wheel Locking Pin with Motor-Driven Rack Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle parking brake systems are inadequate for ensuring total immobility and security, particularly in towed vehicles, as they can be easily deactivated, leading to theft risks, and prior solutions like wheel clamps are cumbersome and prone to power failure issues.
Innovation Solution
A novel vehicle locking and parking brake system featuring a robust, weatherproof container with a keyed security lock, an electric motor, pinion gear, and a rack mechanism that allows manual override of the locking pin, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement without relying on a separate failsafe device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wheel clamp is used to secure a vehicle, then security and total immobility are improved, but ease of operation and time required are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical operation of wheel clamps with an electric motor-driven system. The motor actuates the locking pin through a rack and pinion mechanism, allowing secure locking with minimal manual effort while maintaining high security. This substitution resolves the contradiction by automating the operation while preserving the secure immobilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static manual cranking to dynamic automated motor control. The motor can be controlled to advance or retract the locking pin as needed, providing flexible and easy operation while maintaining secure vehicle immobilization when engaged. This dynamic control resolves the ease of operation issue while preserving security.
2Ease of operation
If an electromagnet-based locking pin is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened due to power supply failure risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a keyed security lock that automatically engages when the weatherproof housing is locked. This mechanical failsafe ensures that if power is lost, the locking pin remains in its current position and cannot accidentally disengage. The system serves itself by providing automatic protection without requiring external intervention, resolving the reliability concern while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyed security lock and mechanical retaining features are built into the system to prevent accidental disengagement before power failure occurs. These features cushion against the potential harm of power loss by ensuring the locking pin cannot escape its engaged position, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving the ease of electrically-controlled operation.
3Reliability
If a separate mechanical failsafe device is added to prevent power supply failure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the failsafe function with the existing locking mechanism by integrating a keyed security lock into the weatherproof housing. This single integrated feature provides both security and failsafe protection, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanical devices. The merging of functions reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyed security lock serves multiple functions: it secures the weatherproof housing, prevents unauthorized access to the motor and controls, and acts as a mechanical failsafe to prevent accidental locking pin disengagement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated failsafe devices, reducing complexity while improving reliability.
4Reliability
If a weatherproof housing with keyed security lock is used, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and device complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a weatherproof housing containing the motor and controls, a separate locking pin mechanism, and a keyed security lock. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together. While the housing itself is more complex, the modular approach improves overall ease of manufacture by allowing specialized production of each segment.
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
Provides a quick, convenient, and secure means to lock and unlock vehicle wheels, addressing the limitations of prior systems by enabling easy operation and reducing the risk of theft, especially for tradespeople, the elderly, and disabled individuals.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor, pinion gear, and a rack mechanism
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor, pinion gear, and a rack mechanism that allows manual override
Data Source
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AI summary
A wheel locking or parking brake for a vehicle including a plate member affixed to a wheel or axle having a plurality of closely spaced holes in a circular configuration or a circumferential flange with a peripheral extension or lug; electrically powered pin advancing and retracting means; the pin adapted to engage and pass into any of the holes or advance in the path of the extension or lug; electric power supply and electric current polarity reversing means, wherein in operation, the pin remains in either an advanced or retracted position depending on the direction of the current when the electric power was switched off.