Adjustable Pile Guide for Floating Dock Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pile guides for floating docks lack adjustability to accommodate variable distances of piles from the dock, leading to inefficient stabilization and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A pile guide with a slidable planar flange and adjustable mounting system, allowing for precise adjustment of the pile guide's position relative to the dock to accommodate varying pile distances, utilizing a collar with a void and opposing guides for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If piles are driven into the earth to hold the dock, then the dock is stabilized in horizontal position, but the piles are not driven with precision leading to variable distances from the dock
Solution Approach 1:
The pile guide mounting system incorporates a slidable planar flange within opposing guides of the bracket, enabling dynamic adjustment of the pile guide's position relative to the dock. This allows the system to adapt to varying pile distances while maintaining stable dock positioning, resolving the contradiction between reliable stabilization and imprecise pile placement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pile guide mounting is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate variable distances of piles from the dock
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transforms a fixed structure into an adjustable one through the slidable flange mechanism. The flange can move horizontally within the guides and be secured at multiple positions using slots and fasteners, providing adaptability to different pile distances while adding only moderate complexity to the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pile guide is divided into separate components: the collar, the planar flange, and the bracket with guides. This segmentation allows the flange to be independently adjusted within the bracket while the collar remains fixed to the flange, enabling flexible positioning without redesigning the entire structure.
3Ease of operation
If the pile guide position is fixed relative to the dock, then the mounting is straightforward, but it fails to compensate for non-precise pile spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable flange mechanism allows for easy adjustment of the pile guide position by simply moving the flange horizontally within the guides and securing it with fasteners. This maintains ease of operation while providing the adaptability needed to compensate for varying pile distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the installer to self-adjust the pile guide position to match the actual pile location without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures. The slots and fasteners enable straightforward positioning and securing of the flange at the appropriate distance from the dock.
Data Source
AI summary
A pile guide has a collar with a void therein. A planar flange extends from a side of the collar. A bracket has opposing guides constructed and arranged for receiving the planar flange of the pile guide therein. The planar flange is in a slidable relationship with the bracket, and the bracket is constructed and arranged for mounting to a floating dock. The distance of the collar from the floating dock can be adjusted to accommodate for distances of piles from the floating dock.