Wheel Chock Positioning Arms for Misalignment-Tolerant Docking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheel chock systems require complex and costly mechanisms for positioning and often damage base plates, are prone to misalignment, and incur high maintenance costs, making them unsuitable for rough environments like loading docks.

Innovation Solution

A wheel chock handling apparatus with a support arm arrangement, including a lateral support, mounting plate, and cantilever arms, which can pivot and translate along a track, allowing precise positioning of wheel chocks without sophisticated equipment, using sensors for automated alignment and force management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex and costly mechanisms are used for positioning wheel chocks, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A guide rail serves as an intermediary element between the positioning system and the wheel chock, providing a predetermined path that ensures accurate positioning without requiring complex control mechanisms. The guide rail physically constrains the movement to a specific trajectory, achieving precision through mechanical guidance rather than sophisticated positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex automated positioning mechanisms with a simpler mechanical guide rail system. Instead of using motors, sensors, and control systems for precise positioning, the invention uses a physically guided rail that directs the wheel chock along a predetermined path, substituting mechanical guidance for complex mechanical positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If wheel chocks are pushed or pulled over base plates with sizable downward force, then positioning is achieved, but base plate damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidbase plate damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A guide rail acts as an intermediary between the positioning force and the base plate, distributing the load along a controlled path. The guide rail absorbs and distributes the mechanical stress, preventing concentrated forces from damaging the base plate while still enabling effective positioning of the wheel chock.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rail provides a pre-established protective path that cushions and distributes forces before they reach the base plate. By having the guide rail in place beforehand, the system prepares a load-distributing structure that prevents damage during the positioning operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If harder materials are used for base plates to resist wheel chock wear, then durability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebase plate durabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rail serves as a sacrificial intermediary that protects the base plate from direct contact and wear with the wheel chock. Instead of making the base plate harder and more expensive, the guide rail absorbs the wear, allowing the use of more economical base plate materials while maintaining system durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rail functions as a disposable or replaceable component that absorbs wear instead of the expensive base plate. By designing the guide rail as a lower-cost, sacrificial element, the system protects the permanent base plate structure from wear, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20250326378A1Wheel chock positioning arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 9172 9863 QUEBEC

AI summary

A wheel chock positioning arrangement comprises a support arm arrangement including a lateral support; a mounting plate connected to the lateral support; a first cantilever arm assembly and a second cantilever arm assembly each having opposite first ends and second ends, the first ends are pivotally mounted to the mounting plate for angular displacement of the first assembly and the second assembly in a transversal direction between a storage position and an extended position; and the second ends are pivotally connected to a wheel chock mount configured to receive a wheel chock; a track extending longitudinally; and a carriage for mounting the support arm arrangement and configured to move along the track. The arrangement can position and retrieve the wheel chock. Wear, tear and mechanical stress on system components are reduced, vehicle immobilization safety is improved and a misalignment of the chock when engaging a base plate can be tolerated.