Buoyant Dock Connector Assembly for Easy Submerged Retrieval
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for securing adjacent floating dock sections together are in need of further improvement to enhance their effectiveness and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly comprising buoyant connecting members with retaining sections and securement members that removably install into aligned sockets on the dock sections, using a combination of elongate and shorter securement members to detachably secure the connecting members and dock sections together, preventing withdrawal from the sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connectors are used to secure adjacent floating dock sections, then the dock sections can be connected together, but the system lacks ease of operation when components are submerged and requires more material
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: buoyant connecting members with retaining sections that interface with sockets, connecting sections that join members, and securement members that lock the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently and enables easy assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Buoyant connecting members serve as intermediary elements between the dock sections and securement members. These members provide a floating interface that facilitates easy installation and retrieval operations while reducing the need for extensive material usage compared to traditional rigid connector systems.
2Loss of substance
If buoyant connecting members with voids are used, then material usage is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting members incorporate voids that provide buoyancy while maintaining structural integrity through strategic placement and configuration. The voids create a porous-like structure that reduces material usage but is designed to withstand the forces encountered during dock section connection and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly combines multiple materials with different properties: buoyant materials for the connecting members with voids, and securable materials for the securement members. This composite approach optimizes both the buoyancy/ease of operation and the structural integrity requirements.
3Reliability
If securement members are added to detachably secure connecting members, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securement members are nested within or integrated with the buoyant connecting members, allowing the securement mechanism to be contained within the overall connector assembly. This nesting reduces the apparent complexity by organizing components in a hierarchical structure where smaller elements are contained within larger ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement members are designed to automatically engage and lock the connecting members together once installed, providing self-securing functionality. This self-service mechanism improves connection reliability without requiring complex external locking systems or multiple operational steps.
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 solution provides a secure and efficient method for connecting floating dock sections, allowing easy installation and retrieval of components even when submerged, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing material usage.
Implementation Method 1
each of the connecting members being buoyant and defining a plurality of voids
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly for use with floating dock sections which includes a pair of buoyant connecting members. Each of the connecting members define a plurality of voids and have first and second retaining sections with a connecting section disposed between the retaining sections. The retaining sections are removably installable in sockets in the floating dock sections. At least one securement member is provided and extends between the pair of connecting members when the connecting members are installed in aligned sockets on the upper and lower perimeters of a pair of adjacent dock sections. The securement member detachably secures the connecting members. The plurality of voids may have open ends. The assembly may include a threaded elongate securement member which is captured by the one of the connecting members wherein the combination of the connecting member and the captured elongate securement member is buoyant.