Wheel Chock Mounting Assembly for Ergonomic Non-Interfering Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheel chock mounting systems for machines, such as underground loaders, often interfere with the machine's functions and do not consider operator ergonomics or ease of use, leading to accessibility issues.

Innovation Solution

A wheel chock mounting assembly comprising a bracket and a stopper, where the stopper is mounted on the machine at a predefined distance from the bracket, with a V-shaped plate oriented to slope upwards towards a receptacle, allowing for secure and ergonomic placement of the wheel chock without interfering with the machine's operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the chock is customized and mounted at arbitrary locations on the machine, then the chock becomes easily accessible to the operator, but the chock or its mount may interfere with machine functions, parts, or surroundings

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of wheel chockVSAvoidInterference with machine functions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into two separate components: a bracket mounted on the machine surface and a stopper mounted at a distance from the bracket. This segmentation allows the chock to be positioned in a location that is accessible to the operator while ensuring that neither component interferes with machine functions or surroundings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the chock mounting system is customized by end customers or dealers, then the chock can be installed according to their discretion, but the customization fails to account for operator ergonomics and ease of use

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCustomization flexibilityVSAvoidOperator ergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket and stopper are designed with predetermined geometric relationships and mounting specifications that incorporate ergonomic considerations. The stopper's V-shaped plate with its specific angle and gradient is pre-configured to facilitate easy chock placement and removal, eliminating the need for operators to make inappropriate customization decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If the stopper is positioned close to the bracket, then the mounting structure becomes more compact, but the wheel chock cannot be properly received and constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMounting structure compactnessVSAvoidWheel chock constraint functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper is positioned at a predefined distance from the bracket along the machine surface, utilizing the two-dimensional mounting plane to create an optimized spatial arrangement. This dimensional approach allows the chock to be properly received and constrained while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4108527B1Wheel chock mounting assembly
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 CATERPILLAR UNDERGROUND MINING PTY LTD
  • EP4108527B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4108527B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4108527B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wheel chock mounting assembly (200) includes a bracket (208) and a stopper (212). The bracket (208) has a retention member (276) and is configured to be coupled to a surface (184) of a machine (100). The bracket (208) defines a receptacle (216) to at least partially receive a wheel chock (204) at a predefined location (202) on the machine (100). The stopper (212) has an engagement member (312). The stopper (212) is configured to be mounted on the machine (100) at a predefined distance from the bracket (208). The bracket (208) and the stopper (212) are structured and arranged to receive and constrain the wheel chock (204) therebetween at the predefined location (202) on the machine (100).