Self-Powered Wheel Chock Wireless Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel chocks for commercial vehicles often fail to ensure reliable positioning and secure the vehicle effectively, leading to accidents during loading and unloading, and they are not suitable for extreme temperatures or weather conditions due to reliance on external power sources and cables.
Innovation Solution
A wheel chock that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy through integral energy conversion means, allowing for wireless transmission of a positioning signal without external power, ensuring robustness and reliability at extreme temperatures, and eliminating the need for cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable connection is used to transmit positioning signals from the wheel chock to the loading ramp controller, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but the cable presents a tripping hazard and must be removed from the danger area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful cable from the system by implementing wireless communication between the wheel chock and loading ramp controller. The positioning signal is transmitted via radio frequency signals, eliminating the physical cable that caused tripping hazards while maintaining reliable signal transmission for safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection with an electromagnetic field-based wireless communication system. The wheel chock contains a transmitter that sends positioning signals through radio waves, substituting the mechanical cable infrastructure with a wireless electromagnetic transmission system that eliminates physical hazards.
2Use of energy by moving object
If external power supply cables are used to power the wheel chock, then the wheel chock can operate signaling means, but the cable connection is complex and requires cable routing to the dock control
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel chock is equipped with an integrated power supply unit that contains rechargeable batteries and energy storage components. The system serves itself by internally generating and storing electrical energy, eliminating the need for external power cables and complex routing infrastructure while maintaining the capability to power signaling means and wireless transmitters.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel chock integrates multiple functions including positioning sensing, wireless signal transmission, and self-powered operation into a single unit. The integrated power supply unit provides electrical energy for both the signaling means and the wireless transmitter, creating a universal self-sufficient device that eliminates multiple cable connections.
3Reliability
If the wheel chock is designed to be robust for extreme temperatures, then reliability in various weather conditions is improved, but the energy conversion means must function reliably at extremely low and high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The energy conversion means utilizes piezoelectric materials that convert mechanical pressure from the wheel onto the chock into electrical energy. These piezoelectric components are selected and engineered to maintain functional properties across extreme temperature ranges, enabling the wheel chock to generate power and operate signaling means reliably in both extremely cold and hot environmental conditions.
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 reliable and safe positioning without cables, reducing tripping hazards and enabling secure operation in various weather conditions, with enhanced safety features for both personnel and equipment.
Implementation Method 1
energy conversion means (9) which are designed to convert kinetic energy of the drive means into electrical energy to supply energy to the signaling means (11)
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a wheel chock for placing under a commercial vehicle wheel as a stabilizing device, comprising a base body (2) and signaling means (11) for transmitting a positioning signal to receiving means spaced apart from and separate from the wheel chock (1). According to the invention, the wheel chock (1) has drive means (5) that are adjustable relative to the base body (2) by being placed under the commercial vehicle wheel. These drive means (5) are associated with the signaling means (11) and are preferably arranged in and/or on the base body. The energy conversion means (9) are designed and arranged to convert kinetic energy from the drive means (5) into electrical energy to power the signaling means (11). The signaling means (11) are designed for wireless, in particular radio-based, transmission of the positioning signal.