DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to testing and servicing of a vehicle and more particularly but not exclusively to an apparatus and a method for arresting vehicle wheel movement during testing and servicing of an automotive vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Vehicle servicing, testing or inspection requires frequent access to the underside of the vehicle. For example, vehicle servicing activities like oil changing, wheel balancing, wheel alignment, vehicle under body welding, and even vehicle under body washing requires a servicing technician or a service person to be able to comfortably get to the underside of the vehicle. For the aforementioned purpose, service pits and auto lifts are in use.
[003] With the auto lifts, the vehicle to be serviced is parked on the auto lift and the auto lift is raised to a required height thereby providing accesses the under body of the vehicle. Further, the service pits are located in the ground, that is, below a building’s grade level and permit the servicing technician or a service person to access the under body of the vehicle. An important aspect while using the service pits or auto lifts is to limit wheel movement thereby avoiding sudden vehicle movement and ensuring service technician’s safety.
[004] At present, wheel movement arrest during vehicle service is done by actuating the parking brake of a vehicle and/or by locking the wheels with external conventional locks. In some cases, where service pits are used for vehicle servicing, wheel depressions are provided in the service pit structure to accommodate a portion of each of the wheels. However, the vehicle may be accidentally driven away with the service technician still inside the pit, which may result in fatal accidents. Further, with external conventional locks being used, there are still chances of accidentally driving the vehicle away with locks being on thereby damaging the vehicle.
[005] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus and method for arresting vehicle wheel movement of an automotive vehicle that obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[006] The principal object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide an apparatus for arresting wheel movement of an automotive vehicle.
[007] Another object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a method for arresting wheel movement of an automotive vehicle.
[008] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[009] The embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, through out which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus for arresting vehicle wheel movement, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus for arresting vehicle wheel movement, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 3 is side view showing the vehicle wheel positioned on the apparatus, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the vehicle wheel whose movement has been arrested by the apparatus, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0014] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of a method for arresting vehicle wheel movement, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0016] The embodiments herein achieve an apparatus for arresting wheel movement of an automotive vehicle. Further the embodiments herein achieve a method for arresting wheel movement of an automotive vehicle. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus 100 for arresting vehicle wheel movement, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The apparatus 100 includes a housing 102, at least one first roller 104a, a plurality of second rollers 104b, a roller lifting mechanism 106, and a roller brake mechanism (not shown).
[0018] In an embodiment, apparatus 100 includes the housing 102. In an embodiment, the housing 102 is adapted to rotatably receive the at least one first roller 104a and the plurality of second rollers 104b. Further, the housing 102 of the apparatus 100 defines an opening O for accessing the first roller 104a and the second rollers 104b for cleaning and repair purposes.
[0019] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes the at least one first roller 104a. In an embodiment, the at least one first roller 104a is rotatably connected to the roller lifting mechanism 106. In an embodiment, the roller lifting mechanism 106 is pivotably connected to the housing 102.
[0020] FIG. 3 is side view showing the vehicle wheel positioned on the apparatus 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 3, the roller lifting mechanism 106 includes a lift cylinder 110, a first platform 106a and the first roller 104a rotatably connected to the first platform 106a. In an embodiment, the first platform 106a is pivotably connected to the housing 102. In an embodiment, the roller lifting mechanism 106 is adapted to arrest the wheel of the automotive vehicle by moving the at least one first roller 104a from a first position to a second position. In an embodiment, the roller lifting mechanism 106 is adapted to release the wheel of the automotive vehicle by moving the at least one first roller 104a from the second position to the first position.
[0021] In an embodiment, the roller lift mechanism 106 along with the at least one lift cylinder 110 is adapted to lift the at least one first roller 104a away from the housing 102. In an embodiment, the lift cylinder 110 is a pneumatic cylinder. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to provide any other type of lift cylinders such as hydraulic cylinder without otherwise deterring the intended function of the apparatus 100 as can be deduced from this description.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus for arresting vehicle wheel movement, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the roller brake mechanism (not shown) is provided below the at least one first roller 104a and the plurality of second rollers 104b. In an embodiment, the roller brake mechanism is located inside the housing 102 of the apparatus 100. In an embodiment, a portion (not shown) of the roller brake mechanism between the at least one first roller 104a and the plurality of second rollers 104b is connected to the housing 102 for providing pivotal movement to the roller brake mechanism. For the purposes of this description and ease of understanding, it is mentioned or depicted herein that there are two second rollers 104b and one first roller 104a. However, it is also within the scope of this description to provide more than two second rollers and more than one first roller depending on the vehicle and wheel size.
[0023] In an embodiment, the roller brake mechanism includes a second platform 108. In an embodiment, the second platform 108 is pivotably connected to the housing 102 at a predetermined location P (not shown). In an embodiment, the second platform 108 is adapted to be in an engaged position with the plurality of second rollers 104b when the at least one first roller 104a is located in the first position. In an embodiment, the second platform 108 is adapted to be in a disengaged position with the plurality of second rollers 104b when the at least one first roller 104a is positioned in the second position.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the vehicle wheel whose movement has been arrested by the apparatus, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 4, the roller lift mechanism 106 along with the at least one lift cylinder 110 lifts the at least one first roller 104a away from the housing 102 thereby arresting forward or reverse movement of a vehicle wheel W. In an embodiment, the at least one first roller 104a elevates at an angle of about 20-25 degrees relative to the housing 102. In an embodiment, the roller brake mechanism is in the disengaged position when the at least one first roller 104a is lifted.
[0025] In operation, the vehicle to be serviced is driven onto the service pit where the apparatus 100 is installed. At least one wheel of the vehicle is provided on top of the apparatus 100. The at least one first roller 104a and the plurality of second rollers 104b are on the same plane and a rotational movement of both at least one first roller 104a and the plurality of second rollers 104b is arrested by the roller braking mechanism. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may further includes a photoelectric diffusive sensor (not shown). In an embodiment, presence of the vehicle is sensed by the photoelectric diffusive sensor and the same is indicated to a service technician present in a service pit. Thereafter, the service technician actuates the roller lift mechanism 106 to actuate the at least one lift cylinder 110. The at least one lift cylinder 110 lifts the roller lifting mechanism 106 thereby lifting the at least one first roller 104a above the housing 102. By lifting of the at least one first roller 104a, the roller braking mechanism disengages the at least one first roller 104a and the plurality of second rollers 104b thereby providing rotational movement to the at least one first roller 104a and the plurality of second rollers 104b. Since the at least one first roller 104a is elevated, the movement of the wheel W of the vehicle parked on the service pit is arrested. Upon servicing, the at least one first roller 104b is lowered to make contact with the roller brake mechanism, thereby facilitating in moving the vehicle as desired.
[0026] In an embodiment, the first position of the at least one first roller 104a is the lifted position or elevated position, similarly the second position is lowered position.
[0027] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of a method for arresting vehicle wheel movement, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. A method 500 for arresting wheel movement of an automotive vehicle is provided. At step 502, the method includes providing a housing 102. At step 504, the method includes disposing at least one first roller 104a in the housing 102. At step 506, the method includes disposing a plurality of second rollers 104b in the housing 102. At step 508, the method includes connecting a roller lifting mechanism 106 to the at least one first roller 104a. At step 510, the method includes disposing a roller brake mechanism below the at least one first roller 104a and the plurality of second rollers 104b. At step 512, the method includes actuating the roller lifting mechanism 106 to arrest the wheel of the automotive vehicle.
[0028] In an embodiment, the roller lifting mechanism 106 is pivotably connected to the housing 102. In an embodiment, the roller lifting mechanism 106 is adapted to arrest the wheel of the automotive vehicle by moving the at least one first roller 104a from a first position to a second position. In an embodiment, the roller lifting mechanism 106 is adapted to release the wheel of the automotive vehicle by moving the at least one first roller 104a from the second position to the first position.
[0029] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

,CLAIMS:We claim,
1. An apparatus 100 for arresting wheel movement of an automotive vehicle, the apparatus 100 comprising:
a housing 102;
at least one first roller 104a disposed in the housing 102;
a plurality of second rollers 104b disposed in the housing 102;
a roller lifting mechanism 106 connected to the at least one first roller 104a; and
a roller brake mechanism disposed below the at least one first roller 104a and the plurality of second rollers 104b,wherein the roller lifting mechanism 106 is pivotably connected to the housing 102; and the roller lifting mechanism 106 is adapted to arrest the wheel of the automotive vehicle by moving the at least one first roller 104a from a first position to a second position;
the roller lifting mechanism 106 is adapted to release the wheel of the automotive vehicle by moving the at least one first roller 104a from the second position to the first position.
2. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller lifting mechanism 106 includes:
a first platform 106a;
the first roller 104a rotatably connected to the first platform 106a; and
at least one lift cylinder 110 mounted below the platform 106a,
wherein
the first platform 106a is pivotably connected to the housing 102.
3. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller brake mechanism includes:
a second platform 108;
wherein
the second platform 108 is pivotably connected to the housing 102 at a predetermined location P;
the second platform 108 is adapted to be in an engaged position with the plurality of second rollers 104b when the at least one first roller 104a is located in the first position;
the second platform 108 is adapted to be in a disengaged position with the plurality of second rollers 104b when the at least one first roller 104a is positioned in the second position.
4. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing 102 defines an opening O for accessing the at least one first roller 104a and the plurality of second rollers 104b.
5. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lift cylinder 110 is selected from a group consisting of pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder and combination thereof.
6. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first roller 104a and the plurality of second rollers 104b are on the same plane and a rotational movement of both the at least one first roller 104a and the plurality of second rollers 104b is arrested by the roller braking mechanism.
7. A method 500 for arresting wheel movement of an automotive vehicle, the method 500 comprising steps of:
providing a housing 102;
disposing at least one first roller 104a in the housing 102;
disposing a plurality of second rollers 104b in the housing 102;
connecting a roller lifting mechanism 106 to the at least one first roller 104a;
disposing a roller brake mechanism below the at least one first roller 104a and the plurality of second rollers 104b;
and actuating the roller lifting mechanism 106 to arrest the wheel of the automotive vehicle,
wherein the roller lifting mechanism 106 is pivotably connected to the housing 102; and
the roller lifting mechanism 106 is adapted to arrest the wheel of the automotive vehicle by moving the at least one first roller 104a from a first position to a second position;
the roller lifting mechanism 106 is adapted to release the wheel of the automotive vehicle by moving the at least one first roller 104a from the second position to the first position.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the roller lifting mechanism 106 including:
a first platform 106a;
connecting the first roller 104a rotatably to the first platform 106a; and
mounting at least one lift cylinder 110 below the platform 106a,
wherein
the first platform 106a is pivotably connected to the housing 102.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the roller brake mechanism including:
a second platform 108;
wherein the second platform 108 is pivotably connected to the housing 102 at a predetermined location P;
the second platform 108 is adapted to be in an engaged position with the plurality of second rollers 104b when the at least one first roller 104a is located in the first position;
the second platform is adapted to be in a disengaged position with the plurality of second rollers 104b when the at least one first roller 104a is positioned in the second position.