Wheel Chock Arm Assembly With Dynamic Spring Counterbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated spring-assisted wheel chock devices face challenges in automatically returning to storage position due to friction and require adjustments to accommodate varying vehicle sizes, often resulting in suboptimal performance and ease of use issues.
Innovation Solution
A wheel chock handling unit with an articulated cantilever arm assembly, a main spring assembly, and a force-compensation mechanism, including a lever and follower system, to counterbalance the weight of the wheel chock and ensure proper positioning and return to storage, while adjusting for different vehicle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an articulated spring-assisted device is used to automatically return the wheel chock to storage position, then the wheel chock can be brought back automatically, but the spring force may be excessive causing the wheel chock to arrive too fast, lift off the ground, or become harder to move by hand
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is configured to provide dynamic force compensation that adapts to the wheel chock's position. The spring force varies throughout the range of motion, providing sufficient force to overcome friction during positioning but reducing force as the wheel chock approaches storage position, preventing excessive speed and lifting. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between automation and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the spring assembly parameters (force, stiffness, or engagement point) depending on the wheel chock position. By modifying the spring force parameter dynamically or through adjustable mechanisms, the system provides optimal force at different positions, enabling automatic return without the drawbacks of excessive force, while maintaining ease of manual positioning when needed.
2Force
If the spring force is increased to overcome friction at maximum extended position, then the wheel chock can be pulled back effectively, but the wheel chock becomes harder to move by hand and may lift off the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly provides dynamic force that adapts to the wheel chock position. At extended positions, the spring generates sufficient force to overcome friction. As the wheel chock moves toward storage, the spring force decreases automatically due to the changing geometry and spring compression, preventing excessive force that would make manual positioning difficult or cause lifting. This dynamic force adjustment resolves the contradiction between overcoming friction and maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly acts as a counterbalancing mechanism that compensates for the wheel chock's weight and friction forces. By positioning the spring to provide counterbalancing force rather than excessive pulling force, the system enables easy manual positioning while still providing automatic return capability, resolving the contradiction between force generation and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel chock is positioned at varying distances for different vehicle sizes, then the device can accommodate different vehicles, but the spring force may be insufficient or excessive at different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is configured to provide dynamically varying force throughout the entire range of motion. As the wheel chock position changes to accommodate different vehicle sizes, the spring force automatically adjusts based on the position, ensuring sufficient force at extended positions and appropriate force at retracted positions. This dynamic adaptation maintains reliable performance across all positions and vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with a universal spring assembly configuration that performs effectively across the entire range of motion, accommodating different vehicle sizes and positions. The spring system provides consistent reliable performance whether the wheel chock is positioned for small vehicles (shorter distance) or large vehicles (longer distance), resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
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 provides improved versatility and performance by ensuring the wheel chock is efficiently positioned and returned to storage across a range of vehicle sizes, reducing manual effort and minimizing misalignment or damage.
Implementation Method 1
a main spring assembly extending between the arm assembly and the base
Implementation Method 2
a lever having at least an elongated leading section interposed between the main spring assembly and the base
Data Source
AI summary
The wheel chock handling unit includes a base, an articulated cantilever arm assembly, a main spring assembly and a force-compensation mechanism. The arm assembly has a first end pivotally mounted to the base for angular displacement of the arm assembly in a substantially vertical plane between a storage position and an extended position. It also has a second end receiving a wheel chock. The main spring assembly extends between the arm assembly and the base. The force-compensation mechanism includes a lever pivotally mounted to the base for angular displacement in a plane that is substantially parallel to that of the arm assembly.