Cribbing Top Plate With Dual Levels and Interlocking Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cribbing systems using wood are prone to splitting, cracking, and splintering, and lack stability on uneven surfaces, while plastic cribbing alternatives do not provide adequate horizontal leveling and stabilization for heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A top plate for cribbing stacks with a non-parallel two-level design and pyramid interlocking surfaces, which can be used as a top, bottom, or intermediate plate, to ensure horizontal alignment and increased stability by interlocking with plastic lumber pieces, and optionally featuring a handle for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wood is used for cribbing, then it is easy to obtain and work with, but it is prone to splitting, cracking, and splintering under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from wood to plastic lumber, which has superior resistance to splitting, cracking, and splintering while maintaining ease of workability. The plastic material undergoes parameter change in terms of material composition and structural integrity properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite plastic lumber material that combines durability with workability. The plastic cribbing pieces function as a composite alternative that merges the ease of wood handling with enhanced structural reliability under heavy loads.
2Reliability
If traditional plastic cribbing is used, then it avoids wood defects, but it lacks adequate horizontal leveling and stabilization capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The top plate is segmented into multiple functional zones including pyramid interlocking surfaces for vertical stacking, horizontal leveling surfaces for stabilization, and integrated bubble levels for precision alignment. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single top plate component: interlocking mechanism, leveling surface, and bubble level indicator are combined in one integrated piece, eliminating the need for separate stabilization and alignment tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cribbing stacks are used on uneven surfaces, then they can adapt to ground conditions, but they lack stability and horizontal alignment under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The top plate incorporates self-leveling features through integrated bubble levels that automatically indicate when the cribbing stack is properly aligned. The system serves itself by providing built-in alignment verification without requiring external tools or personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of horizontal alignment capability to the vertical stacking system. By incorporating bubble levels and leveling surfaces, the system transitions from one-dimensional vertical support to two-dimensional stabilization including both vertical and horizontal alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A plate for cribbing stacks having a top surface and a bottom surface, first, second, third, and fourth side surfaces connecting the top and bottom surfaces; a first level attached to the first side surface; and a second level attached to the second side surface, the first and second side surfaces being in a non-parallel relationship; and wherein the top and bottom surfaces and the first, second, third, and fourth side surfaces are arranged so that the first and second levels indicate when the plate is horizontal.