Wheel Locking Boot With Lug Nut Blocking and Keypad Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for enforcing parking violations, such as towing vehicles, are time-consuming and costly, and there is a need for an alternative that prevents vehicle movement until unpaid fines are settled.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle locking boot with oversized lug nut cover and pad, featuring rigid engagement protrusions and a keypad for secure attachment to a vehicle wheel, preventing the removal of lug nuts until fines are paid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a vehicle locking boot is applied to prevent vehicle movement, then the need for towing is eliminated saving time and money, but the device complexity increases compared to simple towing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The locking boot is divided into multiple functional segments including a boot body, support arms with engagement protrusions, a blocking plate for lug nuts, and a keypad system. Each segment performs a specific function: the boot body conforms to the wheel contour, support arms provide structural support and engagement, the blocking plate prevents lug nut removal, and the keypad controls locking/unlocking. This segmentation allows the complex function of immobilizing a vehicle to be achieved through coordinated simple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking boot incorporates dynamic elements including a horizontally extendable portion that can move between locked and unlocked positions, and a keypad system that dynamically changes the locking state based on code input. The support arms can be positioned at different angles to accommodate various wheel configurations. This dynamic capability allows the device to transition between states while maintaining security during the locked state.
2Reliability
If engagement protrusions are made large and robust to securely engage with wheel indentations, then the reliability of vehicle immobilization improves, but the ease of installation and removal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are designed to be rotatable or adjustable, allowing the engagement protrusions to be positioned at optimal angles for both secure engagement and easy installation. The horizontally extendable portion can move to facilitate alignment during installation while maintaining a fixed secure position during operation. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between robust engagement and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual manipulation required for installation and removal is supplemented by an electronic keypad system that controls the locking mechanism. The keypad can actuate the horizontal extension portion to move engagement protrusions into or out of engagement positions, reducing the physical effort and skill required for installation while maintaining secure mechanical engagement when locked.
3Reliability
If an oversized lug nut blocking plate is used to prevent lug nut removal, then the reliability of immobilization improves, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking plate is merged with the boot body and support arm structure, forming an integrated assembly rather than a separate component. The blocking plate is positioned as part of the overall boot structure that conforms to the wheel contour, eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms. This integration maintains reliable lug nut protection while reducing overall device complexity compared to adding a separate blocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking plate serves multiple functions: it physically blocks access to lug nuts, provides structural support for the boot assembly, and acts as a mounting surface for additional components such as lights or sensors. This multi-functionality justifies its inclusion while minimizing the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If a keypad locking mechanism is implemented to control boot locking and unlocking, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical key-based locking system is replaced with an electronic keypad system. The keypad accepts numeric input and uses an electronic locking mechanism (such as an electromagnet or motor) to actuate the horizontal extension portion. This substitution provides improved ease of operation through code-based access while the electronic components are integrated into the existing boot structure, managing the increase in complexity through consolidation rather than addition of separate systems.
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 extending therefrom. 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 along a direction orthogonal to the upper surface of the horizontal support arm. 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. The keypad is configured to lock and unlock the horizontal extension portion. A lug nut blocking plate is coupled to the first vertical support arm above the first engagement protrusion.