Wheel Chock Extension Structure for Anti-Rollover Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel chocks and restraint systems are not sufficiently effective in preventing unauthorized or accidental vehicle movement, particularly in scenarios like trailer creep or on sloping surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A wheel chock with a longitudinal extension and a corresponding restraint system that includes a ground-anchored base plate with teeth elements for engagement with the wheel chock, enhancing resistance to vehicle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional wheel chock with a single base plate is used, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the resistance force against vehicle movement is insufficient, especially on sloping surfaces or in icy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel chock is divided into a main body and one or more extension members that can be positioned at different locations. Each segment has its own teeth elements that engage with the base plate, distributing the resistance force across multiple engagement points rather than relying on a single base plate location.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane engagement (one base plate location) to a multi-dimensional engagement system where extension members can be positioned at different longitudinal and lateral locations relative to the wheel, creating multiple engagement planes and increasing the overall resistance force through spatial distribution.
2Reliability
If the wheel chock uses a single engagement point with the base plate, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of preventing vehicle movement is insufficient under challenging conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement system is segmented into multiple independent teeth elements distributed across the main body and extension members. Each tooth element provides independent engagement with the base plate, so that if one engagement point experiences reduced friction or ice, other engagement points continue to provide reliable resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the wheel chock (main body vs. extension members) have teeth elements positioned at different locations relative to the wheel and base plate. This local differentiation allows optimal engagement at each specific location, with some teeth elements better suited for high-friction conditions and others for low-friction icy conditions.
3Force
If the wheel chock is designed with extension members lying adjacent to the wheel tire side wall, then the horizontal resistance force is increased, but the ease of operation may be reduced due to additional positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The extension members are designed to be movable relative to the main body, allowing them to be dynamically positioned adjacent to the wheel tire side wall during operation. This dynamic positioning capability enables the extension members to adapt to different wheel positions and sizes while maintaining the increased horizontal resistance force benefit.
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
The solution effectively prevents vehicle movement by increasing the horizontal resistance force through the engagement of teeth elements, even in challenging conditions such as icy or snowy weather.
Implementation Method 1
the main body having a base comprising an underside with a first plurality of downwardly projecting teeth elements configured to releasably engage a corresponding ground-anchored retention plate having protrusions, such as ribs, ridges or the like, for engagement with the teeth elements
Implementation Method 2
the main body having a sloped top wheel-facing side configured to receive in overlay and abutment the wheel tire... to resist movement of the wheel chock and vehicle wheel once the teeth are engaged on the retention plate and as the wheel tire applies pressure to the top wheel-facing side of the main body
Implementation Method 3
the at least one extension member being configured, in use, to lie adjacent to at least a portion of a side wall of the wheel tire
Data Source
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AI summary
The wheel chock (100) is designed to prevent a vehicle (104) from moving in an unauthorized or accidental manner. The wheel chock (100) includes a longitudinal extension (200) to further improve resistance to rollover and tipping when the wheel (102) is pressed forcefully against the wheel chock (100). The extension (200) includes a protruding portion (210) that can extend over a relatively long distance along the tire sidewall (126) and allows the wheel chock (100) to create a latching engagement between a tooth (160) and a blocking element (112) on the base plate (110) beyond the front end of its main body (150).