Modular metal pontoon with self-adjusting locking system

Abstract

The self-adjusting and locking system is designed to eliminate bolted joints between individual pontoons, while also reducing the time required to connect or disconnect them. Elements 1 and 2 provide for self-alignment as well as lateral displacement of the pontoons; rubber pads made of textile-reinforced rubber are to be installed on the blue surfaces. The rubber has a damping effect-to soften impacts during the connection / disconnection of the individual pontoons. Elements 3 and 4 are reinforced strips attached vertically to the side structures of the pontoons. They ensure the system’s locking mechanism, and rubber pads are also mounted on their inner sides, serving as dampers. The system is currently under development and is part of an ongoing project to extend a floating dock, with the pontoons in question being connected and disconnected as needed. In this way, the floating dock can accommodate both small and medium-sized vessels as well as longer ships, with the required load-bearing capacity achieved by connecting and disconnecting additional pontoons.