Dock Segment Coupling Brackets for Jig-Free Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dock connection assemblies require unique jigs for each dock design, are inefficient for single or large-scale installations, and lack versatility in aligning dock segments, leading to increased assembly time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A dock coupling assembly featuring a female connecting bracket with offset portions and alignment flanges, and a male connecting bracket with engagement members, allowing for secure alignment and connection of dock segments without the need for multiple jigs, facilitating efficient assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional connection assemblies with unique jigs are used for each dock design, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to carrying and selecting multiple jigs
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting bracket is designed with integrated alignment flanges and engagement members that can align dock segments of various designs without requiring separate jigs. The bracket serves multiple functions: alignment, connection, and positioning, making it a universal component that replaces the need for multiple design-specific jigs.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment flanges are integrated directly into the connecting bracket structure, merging the alignment function with the connection function. This eliminates the need for separate alignment jigs and connection brackets, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the assembly process.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional connection assemblies with unique jigs are used for each dock design, then alignment precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to the requirement to hold jigs in place during alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment flanges are pre-positioned and integrated into the connecting bracket structure before installation. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for installers to manually position and hold separate alignment jigs during assembly, reducing assembly time while maintaining alignment precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom jigs are created for each dock design modification, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens due to the need to create custom tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting bracket with integrated alignment flanges is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various dock segment designs and modifications. This eliminates the need to create custom jigs for each design change, as the same bracket design can be used across different configurations.
4Strength
If traditional connection assemblies are used, then connection strength is improved through multiple components, but device complexity increases with brackets, clamps, hinges, and bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting bracket integrates multiple functions into a single component: the alignment flanges provide alignment, the engagement members provide connection, and the overall structure provides positioning. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components (brackets, clamps, hinges, bolts) while maintaining connection strength through the integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A dock coupling assembly that connects multiple dock segments to one another, wherein the dock coupling assembly comprising a female attachment bracket having a base portion and an offset portion that is connected to the base portion and is out of alignment with the base portion. The female attachment bracket further comprises a vertical flange on an inner surface that travels from a top edge to a bottom edge, and wherein the dock coupling assembly also comprises a male attachment bracket comprising a first outwardly extending engagement member and a second outwardly extending engagement member located on the base plate outer surface along the proximal edge, and wherein the male attachment bracket further comprises a base plate vertical flange that travels from a base plate top edge to a base plate bottom edge.