Wireless Loading Dock Wheel Chock with Sensor and Light Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loading docks are hazardous due to limited space and visibility, leading to accidents when trailers unexpectedly move, and existing wheel chock systems lack comprehensive oversight and enforcement of proper chock use, especially in large facilities where wiring complexities and costs become prohibitive.
Innovation Solution
A smart wheel chock system that includes a chock assembly with a sensor, an outside light box, an inside control panel, a controller, and a wireless module, providing visual and audio indications of safety status and enabling wireless communication to monitor and enforce proper chock placement and loading dock safety, with an optional camera for remote oversight and energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wired wheel chock systems are used to provide safety monitoring, then safety oversight is improved, but wiring complexity and installation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wired mechanical monitoring systems with wireless electronic communication. The wheel chock system uses wireless transmitters and receivers to communicate chock status, door position, and safety information without requiring physical wiring between components, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining safety monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless control panel serves multiple functions: it receives wireless signals from wheel chocks, monitors door position, controls lighting systems, and provides user interface for safety status display. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate wired systems into a single integrated wireless platform
2Reliability
If comprehensive safety monitoring systems are installed to prevent accidents, then safety is improved, but installation costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive wired infrastructure with wireless communication technology. Wireless transmitters in wheel chocks and receivers in control panels eliminate the need for running cables through building structures, significantly reducing installation labor and material costs while providing comprehensive safety monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel chock system automatically transmits its status (inserted or removed) via wireless communication without requiring manual reporting or complex wiring to connection points. The system self-monitors and self-communicates its state, reducing installation and maintenance requirements
3Reliability
If visual indication systems are added to show safety status, then safety awareness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indication system uses LED lights that operate periodically or on-demand based on safety status changes rather than continuously. The controller activates visual indicators only when safety conditions change or when monitoring is required, reducing energy consumption compared to continuous illumination systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses different colored LEDs (e.g., green for safe, red for unsafe) to convey safety status information. This allows clear visual communication with minimal energy consumption, as LEDs are energy-efficient and can be selectively activated based on system state rather than remaining constantly on
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel chock system includes a chock, a sensor disposed within the chock to sense the proximity to the tire, an outside light box, and an inside control panel. Lamps on the outside light box provide a visual indication as to when the chock is in close proximity to the wheel. Lights on the inside control panel provide a visual indication of the loading dock safety status. The wheel chock system further includes a controller coupled to the inside control panel, programmed to change visual indications of both the outside light signal box and the inside control panel, based at least on the sensor and a loading dock door sensor. The wheel chock system further includes a camera positioned to view the tire and the chock and convey an image of the tire and the chock to a display on or near the inside control panel.