Wheel Chock Universal Joint for Gravity Self-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel chock handling units often misalign with the longitudinal axis when positioned close to the base plate, leading to inefficient wheel chock retention due to self-alignment issues and increased user intervention, which can compromise the wheel chock's ability to prevent unauthorized or accidental vehicle movement.
Innovation Solution
A universal joint is introduced to facilitate proper alignment and self-alignment of the wheel chock by incorporating a swivel base and pivot couplings, allowing the wheel chock to maintain parallel orientation with the longitudinal axis across various positions, reducing the need for manual adjustment and mitigating misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel chock is positioned close to the base plate using existing handling units, then the wheel chock can be retained at various positions, but the wheel chock becomes misaligned with the longitudinal axis and may tilt by itself over time
Solution Approach 1:
A universal joint is introduced as an intermediary component between the wheel chock and the handling unit. This universal joint includes a swivel base that allows the wheel chock to self-align with the longitudinal axis while being positioned close to the base plate, eliminating the misalignment issue without sacrificing positioning versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The universal joint incorporates a swivel base with pivot couplings that enable dynamic self-alignment of the wheel chock. The joint allows the wheel chock to automatically adjust its orientation to remain parallel with the longitudinal axis, preventing tilting while maintaining positioning adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing handling units are used to position the wheel chock, then the wheel chock can be set at various positions, but manual adjustment is required to compensate for misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint with swivel base enables the wheel chock to self-align automatically through its own weight and gravity. The pivot couplings allow the wheel chock to naturally orient itself parallel to the longitudinal axis without requiring manual adjustment, making the system self-servicing while maintaining positioning versatility
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel chock is retained at positions close to the base plate, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the wheel chock may tilt by itself over time due to spring forces and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint acts as a mediator between the spring-loaded handling mechanism and the wheel chock. It isolates the wheel chock from destabilizing spring forces and vibrations while allowing positioning flexibility, ensuring the wheel chock remains stable and properly aligned at all positions including those close to the base plate
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 universal joint ensures consistent alignment and secure retention of the wheel chock, enhancing its effectiveness in preventing unauthorized vehicle movement without requiring excessive user intervention or complex adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the wheel chock can self-align using only its own weight, thus the force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
The universal joint (200) is provided at the free end (154) of the arm assembly (152) in a wheel chock handling unit (150) for securing a wheel chock (100). The joint (200) includes a main plate (220), a first pivot coupling (208) defining a yaw axis (210), and an elongated link (260) attached to the first pivot coupling (208) and being pivotable about the yaw axis (210). The joint (200) also includes means for limiting axial pivot movements of the link (260) within a range of angular positions having a first angular end position and a second angular end position. The joint (200) can be configured and arranged so that the wheel chock (100) can self-align using only its own weight, thus the force of gravity, along the entire range of positions along a base plate (110), or a portion thereof.