Customizable Platform Frame Assembly for Modular Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current docking solutions are either built in-place and lack customization or are bulky and difficult to assemble, necessitating a need for a lightweight, customizable, and easily reconfigurable docking frame system.
Innovation Solution
A customizable platform assembly comprising a frame with side rails, longitudinal channels, cross members, and elongated support members, utilizing commodity hardware for easy assembly and reconfiguration, with components made from extruded aluminum and machined mounting holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If docking solutions are built in-place, then they provide structural stability, but they lack customization and reconfigurability
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system is divided into modular components including side rails, cross members, decking shelves, and support members that can be independently assembled and reconfigured. Each component features standardized channels and mounting positions that enable flexible arrangement while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as cross members that can be positioned at various locations along the side rails using longitudinal channels. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the docking structure to adapt to different boat sizes and configurations while maintaining stability through standardized connection points.
2Ease of manufacture
If docking solutions are shipped from manufacturer, then they provide pre-fabricated structure, but they are bulky and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The complete docking system is segmented into separate modular components (side rails, cross members, decking shelves, support members) that can be shipped in compact packages and assembled on-site. This segmentation dramatically reduces shipping volume compared to pre-assembled structures while enabling easy assembly through standardized connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal connection features including longitudinal channels, mounting flanges, and standardized hardware interfaces that can accommodate multiple configuration scenarios. This universality allows the same components to serve different functions in various docking configurations, simplifying assembly while reducing the need for multiple specialized parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are used for customization, then reconfigurability is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions are merged into integrated components such as cross members that combine longitudinal attachment to side rails with transverse support functionality. The decking shelves integrate both structural support and surface functions, reducing the number of separate components and connection steps required while maintaining reconfigurability.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized universal connection mechanisms including longitudinal channels, mounting flanges, and common hardware types are used across all components. This universality simplifies assembly by reducing the variety of connection methods and hardware needed, making the system easier to assemble despite its reconfigurability.
Data Source
AI summary
A customizable platform assembly includes a frame with a deck portion mounted to the frame. The frame has a side rail; cross members; and an elongated support member mounted to the cross members. The side rail is formed with a decking shelf extending from a first surface of the siderail longitudinally along the side rail. The docking shelf is formed with at least one longitudinal channel. The cross members are slidably attached to the at least one longitudinal channel with attachment hardware. The elongated support member is parallel to and spaced from the side rail.