Dock Leveler Adjustable Leg Bracket Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dock leveler designs face challenges in installation efficiency, stability, and longevity due to the need for shimming and lack of adjustability, particularly when dealing with variations in pit or dock leveler specifications, leading to increased maintenance and costs.
Innovation Solution
The dock leveler design incorporates a bridge assembly with a pivotally movable lip, an adjustable leg bracket assembly featuring a threaded adjustment shaft, and a lip keeper system that allows for adjustment relative to the beam, enhancing stability and reducing the need for shimming by allowing for precise leveling and height adjustment without the use of shims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If shimming is used to level and stabilize the dock leveler, then installation can be completed, but the process requires significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes shims from the dock leveler system entirely. Instead of using shims to level and stabilize the leg bracket assembly and chassis, the invention provides adjustable mounting mechanisms that directly accommodate variations in pit and dock specifications without requiring intermediate shimming materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the dock leveler to be dynamically adapted to different installation conditions. The leg bracket assembly and chassis can be adjusted during installation to level and stabilize the system without requiring shims, making the installation process faster and easier.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current dock leveler systems are used, then basic functionality is provided, but they are not easily adjustable to accommodate variations in pit or dock leveler specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable mounting mechanisms in the leg bracket assembly and chassis that allow the dock leveler to be adapted to various pit and dock specifications. These adjustments are integrated into the basic structure, allowing customization without adding significant complexity to the overall system.
3Reliability
If current dock leveler designs are used, then installation can be completed, but parts do not have optimal stability or longevity
Solution Approach 1:
By removing shims from the system, the patent eliminates the instability and longevity issues associated with shimming. The adjustable mounting mechanisms provide direct, stable support for the leg bracket assembly and chassis, ensuring optimal stability and durability without compromising installation ease.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design improves installation efficiency, increases stability, and reduces maintenance costs by allowing for easier adjustment and alignment of the dock leveler, accommodating variations in dock and pit specifications, and providing a more durable solution.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded adjustment shaft may extend through the threaded hole of the horizontal plate and may be configured to adjust a height of the leg bracket assembly by rotation of the adjustment shaft relative to the horizontal plate
Implementation Method 2
the lip is pivotally movable between a stowed position and an extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A dock leveler for a loading dock having an adjustable leg bracket assembly. The dock leveler may include an adjustment bracket and a threaded adjustment shaft. The adjustment bracket may include a horizontal plate having a threaded hole. The threaded adjustment shaft may extend through the threaded hole of the horizontal plate and may be configured to adjust a height of the leg bracket assembly by rotation of the adjustment shaft relative to the horizontal plate. The threaded adjustment shaft may have a leading end that abuts against a base plate disposable in a fixed position on a floor of the dock. The base plate may be independent from the adjustment shaft.