Dock Coupler Swivel Joint for Easy Floating Dock Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dock hinges require precise alignment and are difficult to connect/disconnect due to the weight and terrain challenges, often needing multiple people to manage the connection/disconnection process.
Innovation Solution
A dock coupler system with a first and second connector that allows for yaw, pitch, and roll motion, facilitated by a swivel socket and lynch pin mechanism, enabling easy alignment and secure connection of dock elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dock hinges with pinned plates are used, then the connection provides structural stability, but the connection and disconnection process becomes difficult and time-consuming requiring multiple people
Solution Approach 1:
The dock coupler incorporates a swivel socket that allows dynamic movement and rotation during the connection process. The socket can swivel to accommodate misalignment between dock elements, enabling a single person to connect the coupler without requiring precise alignment that would otherwise need multiple people. Once connected, the pin provides stable structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel socket acts as an intermediary between the pin and the dock element hole. It mediates the connection by allowing angular adjustment and positioning, making the connection process easier while maintaining the structural integrity provided by the pin-to-hole engagement.
2Strength
If dock elements are made heavy for structural strength, then the dock system can support loads, but the elements become difficult to maneuver and align during connection
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel socket provides dynamic adjustment capability that compensates for the weight and difficulty of maneuvering heavy dock elements. The socket can rotate and swivel to accommodate alignment variations, allowing heavy elements to be connected without requiring precise pre-alignment that would be extremely difficult with multiple people.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler design changes the alignment parameters by introducing angular degrees of freedom through the swivel socket. Instead of requiring precise X, Y, Z alignment, the socket allows alignment through rotational movements, making it feasible to connect heavy dock elements with minimal manual intervention.
3Reliability
If minimal clearance pins are used for precise connection, then the connection is secure, but the alignment requirements in X, Y, Z directions and rotational axes become extremely difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel socket introduces dynamic alignment capability that eliminates the need for precise static alignment. The socket can rotate and adjust its orientation to accommodate variations in hole positioning and dock element orientation, allowing minimal clearance pins to be inserted without requiring extremely precise alignment in multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel socket serves as an intermediary that absorbs alignment errors and variations. It mediates between the pin and the hole, allowing the minimal clearance pin to engage securely without requiring the dock elements to be aligned with extreme precision during the connection process.
Data Source
AI summary
A dock coupler to couple a first dock element to a second dock element includes a first connector having a pin and configured to be coupled to the first dock element, and a second connector configured to be coupled to the second dock element. The second connector includes a rod defining a slot to receive the pin to enable the removable engagement of the first connector to the second connector. The engagement of the second connector and the first connector facilitates a yaw, a pitch, and a roll motion of the second dock element relative to the first dock element.