Vehicle Wheel Locking Boot With Lug Nut Blocking and GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for enforcing parking regulations, such as towing vehicles with unpaid fines, are costly and time-consuming, and there is a need for an alternative that prevents vehicle movement without physical immobilization.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle locking boot with an oversized lug nut cover and pad, featuring a keypad for locking and unlocking, and a GPS system for tracking, which attaches to a vehicle's wheel to prevent movement until fines are paid, thereby eliminating the need for towing.
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, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking boot is divided into multiple functional segments: a boot body that covers the wheel, engagement protrusions that secure to the wheel rim, a keypad module for access control, and a GPS tracker for location monitoring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while collectively achieving vehicle immobilization and tracking without requiring towing infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The locking boot integrates multiple functions into a single device: physical immobilization through wheel coverage and engagement protrusions, electronic access control via keypad, location tracking through GPS, and communication capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate towing equipment and enforcement procedures, reducing time loss despite increased device complexity
2Reliability
If an oversized lug nut cover and pad are used to block lug nuts, then vehicle movement is prevented, but the area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking boot employs local quality by concentrating the immobilization function at specific critical points: the engagement protrusions target the wheel rim's attachment points, and the oversized lug nut cover specifically blocks access to lug nuts. This localized approach ensures reliable vehicle prevention at key structural points without requiring the entire wheel area to be covered, optimizing the balance between reliability and space occupation
3Loss of information
If a keypad and GPS system are integrated into the locking boot, then tracking and recovery are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keypad and GPS system are merged into a single integrated electronic control unit within the locking boot. The keypad handles user authentication and control commands, while the GPS module continuously tracks location and transmits data through combined communication circuits. This merging reduces the need for separate electronic components and simplifies wiring, enhancing tracking capabilities while managing device complexity through integrated design
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.