Vehicle Wheel Boot With Lug Nut Shield and GPS Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle locking boot technologies are inefficient in preventing unauthorized movement of scofflaw vehicles, as they can be tampered with or require costly towing, and lack effective tracking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle locking boot design featuring an oversized lug nut cover with tapered engagement protrusions, a keypad for secure locking/unlocking, and a GPS system for tracking, combined with a spacer to prevent tampering and a lightweight yet strong construction to reduce weight and enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking boots are used, then vehicle immobilization is achieved, but they can be tampered with and require costly towing
Solution Approach 1:
The locking boot is divided into modular components including engagement protrusions, support arms, and a locking mechanism with keypad. This segmentation allows for specialized anti-tampering features in each module while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized production of individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking boot applies preliminary restrictive action by engaging protrusions into wheel indentations before any tampering attempt occurs. The keypad-locked horizontal extension portion pre-prevents access to the wheel, eliminating the need for costly towing operations.
2Reliability
If oversized lug nut cover is used, then tampering prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oversized lug nut cover serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective shield over the locking mechanism, provides mounting surface for the keypad, and functions as part of the engagement system with the wheel. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the enlarged size.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is nested within the oversized lug nut cover structure. The horizontal extension portion with keypad locks within the vertical support arms, which are themselves contained within the overall boot assembly. This nesting approach manages complexity by organizing components hierarchically.
3Productivity
If GPS tracking system is added, then recovery efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS tracking system is merged with the existing locking boot structure, utilizing the same housing and power sources where possible. The tracking module is integrated into the control system that already manages the keypad and locking mechanism, thereby minimizing additional complexity while maximizing recovery efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If lightweight construction is used, then ease of installation is improved, but strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking boot employs composite construction combining lightweight aluminum or alloy materials for the main structure with high-strength steel components for the engagement protrusions and support arms. This composite approach achieves both lightweight ease of installation and the necessary structural strength for secure wheel locking.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle locking boot includes a horizontal support arm and a first vertical support arm extending from the horizontal support arm. The first vertical support arm includes a front engagement protrusion. A receiving sleeve extends from the horizontal support arm at a base of the first vertical support arm. A horizontal extension portion is coupled to the horizontal support arm. A second vertical support arm extends from the horizontal extension portion. The second vertical support arm includes a rear engagement protrusion extending therefrom. The front engagement protrusion faces the rear engagement protrusion. A keypad is disposed on the first engagement portion to lock and unlock the horizontal extension portion. A lug nut blocking plate is coupled to the first vertical support arm. A global positioning system (GPS) housing is positioned at an upper portion of the first vertical support arm.