Loading Dock Control Panel with Sequential Power Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional loading dock assemblies face issues with faulty connections, mis-wiring, and defects due to the use of 'fly wire' systems, which complicate the installation and operation of loading dock components, compromising safety and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A dock apparatus with a control panel and identification system that automatically generates an operating sequence for loading dock components, using a direct plug interface for component identification and a power module to deliver a predetermined electrical current in a sequential pattern, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a 'fly wire' system is used for electrical connections in loading dock components, then flexibility in wiring layout is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to faulty connections and mis-wiring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring layout flexibilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the wiring into segmented modular connections where each loading dock component has its own dedicated electrical connection path to the control panel, eliminating the continuous 'fly wire' system. This segmentation isolates potential failure points and prevents mis-wiring while maintaining installation flexibility through standardized modular interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If multiple high-voltage connections are made to loading dock components, then power delivery capability is improved, but safety deteriorates due to increased risk of electrical hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidelectrical safety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel serves as an intermediary device that receives power from the power module and distributes it sequentially to loading dock components. This intermediary approach allows high-power delivery capability while maintaining safety by centralizing electrical control, implementing sequential activation to prevent simultaneous high-voltage exposure, and providing monitoring and protection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic sequential activation of loading dock components through the control panel, which delivers electrical current in a predetermined sequence rather than simultaneously. This periodic action ensures that only one component receives high voltage at a time, significantly reducing electrical safety hazards while maintaining full power delivery capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If manual installation and configuration of loading dock components is performed, then installation flexibility is improved, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel automatically performs configuration and identification of loading dock components during installation without requiring manual programming or complex setup procedures. The system self-configures by detecting connected components and automatically generating the appropriate control sequences, thereby maintaining installation flexibility while dramatically reducing installation time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control panel contains pre-programmed identification protocols and control sequences that are prepared in advance. During installation, these preliminary configurations are automatically executed to identify and configure loading dock components, eliminating the need for manual setup and reducing installation time while preserving flexibility through automated adaptation to different component configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If automated identification and control sequences are implemented, then operational reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel is designed as a universal multi-functional device that integrates identification, sequencing, power distribution, and monitoring functions in a single unit. This universality improves operational reliability by coordinating all functions through a centralized intelligent controller while managing system complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12162705B2Power and control system for a loading dock assembly

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 BLUE GIANT EQUIPMENT CORPORATION

AI summary

A dock apparatus includes a plurality of loading dock components. An identification system is coupled with the plurality of loading dock components. A control panel is in signal communication with the plurality of loading dock components via the identification system. The identification system automatically cooperates with the control panel to define an operating sequence of the plurality of loading dock components. A power module is in signal communication with the control panel and an installed component of the plurality of loading dock components. The control panel provides instructions to the power module according to the operating sequence and the power module delivers a predetermined electrical current to the installed components of the plurality of loading dock components in a sequential pattern defined by the operating sequence.