Wheel Chock Locking Mechanism for Rapid Secure Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel chocks lack simplicity of operation, rapidity of movement, and security features, as they can be inadvertently unlocked or not engage correctly with the base plate, and motorized versions may fail during power outages or be slow to operate.
Innovation Solution
A wheel chock with a locking mechanism featuring a positioning unit that moves between unlocked and fully locked positions, using a lever-operated mechanism with a ferromagnetic plate and electromagnet for secure engagement, and a position detector to ensure correct placement on the base plate, along with a manual or powered actuator for rapid locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual locking mechanism is used, then the wheel chock can be easily operated and moved rapidly, but it may be accidentally disengaged by bumping or touching the lever inadvertently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing a lever with a guard structure that prevents accidental disengagement. The guard extends along the lever and includes a blocking surface that physically prevents the lever from moving into the disengaged position unless intentionally actuated with sufficient force to overcome the blocking surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curvature by designing the lever as a curved or arc-shaped component that rotates about a pivot point. This curved geometry allows the lever to move between engaged and disengaged positions while the guard structure follows the curvature to provide continuous protection against accidental disengagement.
2Reliability
If a motorized locking mechanism is used, then a higher level of security is provided, but the operation becomes slower and may fail during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motorized locking mechanisms with a purely mechanical lever-based system. This mechanical system provides immediate locking and unlocking action without power requirements, eliminating the time delays and failure risks associated with motorized systems while maintaining security through the guard structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever-based locking mechanism is self-operating and does not require external power sources. The user directly actuates the lever to engage or disengage the locking function, providing instantaneous response without waiting for motor activation or power cycle completion.
3Productivity
If the wheel chock can be moved easily in the opposite direction, then it can be quickly repositioned, but it may be pulled off the base plate by hand without proper security
Solution Approach 1:
The guard structure on the lever provides preliminary anti-action by preventing the lever from moving into the disengaged position unless intentionally actuated. This ensures that the wheel chock cannot be accidentally or unauthorizedly removed while maintaining the ability to quickly reposition when properly authorized.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is designed as a dynamic component that can rotate between engaged and disengaged positions. When engaged, it provides secure locking; when disengaged, it allows free movement for repositioning. The guard structure dynamically adapts to allow intentional disengagement while blocking accidental movement.
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 wheel chock provides secure, rapid, and reliable locking and unlocking, preventing unauthorized movement and ensuring correct placement, even in the absence of power, with enhanced security features to prevent accidental disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
a lever-operated mechanism with a ferromagnetic plate and electromagnet for secure engagement
Data Source
AI summary
The wheel chock includes a locking mechanism that can be held in a locked state when properly positioned on a base plate. The locking mechanism includes a positioning unit having at least one tooth provided to engage a side of a corresponding one of the blocking elements in a latched engagement when the positioning unit is in the fully locked position. The locking mechanism also includes an actuating device to move the positioning unit from the unlocked position towards the fully locked position, and a holding device to selectively hold the positioning unit in the fully locked position.