Collapsible Dock Frame with Hinged Bracket System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dock assembly at marina sites is costly and labor-intensive due to the need for on-site assembly of unassembled materials, which can lead to high shipping costs and logistical challenges, especially for large or complex dock structures.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible dock system featuring a pre-assembled frame with a hinged bracket system that allows the frame to be folded for efficient shipping and quickly expanded at the installation site, enabling more dock systems to be transported in a single container and reducing assembly time and labor requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If docks are assembled at the installation site using unassembled materials, then the dock can be customized to fit specific location requirements, but shipping costs and assembly time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The dock frame is pre-assembled at the manufacturing location before shipping. The pre-assembly includes attaching cross-members to beams in the desired configuration, so that when the dock arrives at the installation site, the frame is already in its final assembled state, eliminating on-site assembly time and labor
Solution Approach 2:
The dock system is divided into modular components (beams, cross-members, floats, decking) that can be pre-assembled into frame sections. These segmented modules can be customized at the factory for different dock configurations and then shipped as complete units to various installation locations
2Adaptability or versatility
If docks are assembled at the installation site using unassembled materials, then material flexibility is maintained, but shipping efficiency and logistics become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dock frame sections and related components are merged into a single pre-assembled unit. By combining beams, cross-members, and attachment hardware into one integrated frame structure, the system improves shipping efficiency by reducing the number of separate shipments needed while maintaining the ability to customize different dock configurations through modular design
3Adaptability or versatility
If large or complex dock structures are assembled on-site, then the dock can accommodate specific marina requirements, but the difficulty and cost of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
Complex dock structures are pre-assembled at the manufacturing facility where skilled workers can efficiently construct intricate frame configurations. The pre-assembly includes all complex joinery, bracing, and component attachments, so that on-site installation simply requires placing the complete pre-assembled structure into position, dramatically reducing assembly difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-assembled frame includes pre-attached floats, stringers, and decking components that are integrated into the frame structure. This self-contained design means the dock structure serves its own assembly needs, eliminating the requirement for on-site construction labor and specialized assembly skills
4Loss of time
If docks are manufactured and shipped as pre-assembled units, then assembly time is reduced, but shipping space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dock system is segmented into modular frame sections that can be pre-assembled to various sizes and configurations. These modular segments can be efficiently packed in shipping containers, and multiple smaller docks can be shipped in a single container, optimizing shipping space while maintaining the benefits of pre-assembly
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
This solution significantly reduces shipping costs and assembly time by allowing bulk construction in a controlled environment, utilizing a trained workforce and optimizing material usage, while also simplifying the installation process for dock systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first hinged bracket that selectively secures the first beam to the first cross-member in either a first collapsible state in which the first cross-member is rotatable relative to the beam
Data Source
AI summary
A dock system including a collapsible frame, and method for assembling the dock system including collapsible frame are provided. A collapsible dock system includes a collapsible frame. The collapsible frame includes a first beam, a second beam, a cross-member, and a hinged bracket system. The cross-member system secures the first beam to the second beam. The hinged bracket system is selectively coupled to the first beam and the second beam in either a compact transport state in which the first beam is movable relative to the second beam or a fixed installation state in which the first beam is fixed relative to the second beam.