Dock Levelling Gap Seals With Rod-Supported Flexible Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dock levelling systems have a gap between the rear of the leveler and the recess wall that allows entry of unwanted pests like rodents, posing a disadvantage.
Innovation Solution
A seal comprising a rod and a flexible tube, such as metal wire mesh, is used to fill the gap between the hinged end of the movable ramp and the recess wall, held in place by friction and supported by the rod to maintain shape and sealing effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gap is left between the leveler and recess wall for movement and installation, then ease of operation and installation is improved, but pest entry prevention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A seal comprising a flexible tube surrounding a rod is introduced as an intermediary element between the leveler and recess wall. The flexible tube fills the gap while maintaining pest barrier functionality, and the rod provides structural support to maintain the seal's shape and positioning. This intermediary solution allows the gap to remain open for installation purposes while preventing pest entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal uses a flexible tube (shell) that can deform to fit the gap between the leveler and recess wall. The flexibility of the tube allows it to accommodate movement and installation requirements while maintaining continuous contact with both surfaces to prevent pest entry. The rod inside the tube provides rigid support to maintain the tube's shape and sealing effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid seal is used to block the gap, then pest entry prevention is improved, but adaptability to movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal employs a flexible tube that can deform and adapt to the movement of the leveler while maintaining its pest-blocking function. The flexibility of the tube allows it to stretch and compress as needed, accommodating the dynamic nature of the gap while providing continuous pest prevention. The rod inside maintains the tube's structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal combines two different materials with complementary properties: a flexible tube material that provides adaptability and pest barrier functionality, and a rigid rod material that provides structural support and shape maintenance. This composite structure allows the seal to simultaneously achieve flexibility for movement adaptation and rigidity for maintaining sealing effectiveness.
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
The seal effectively prevents the entry of pests by filling the gap and maintaining contact with the ramp and wall surfaces, providing a durable barrier against damage.
Implementation Method 1
The seal is held in place by friction between the tube of flexible material and the surfaces of the movable ramp and the wall of the recess
Implementation Method 2
The rod within the tube of flexible material provides support and helps maintain the shape of the tube of flexible material
Implementation Method 3
The rod also helps the tube of flexible material exert sufficient force against the surfaces of the movable ramp and the wall of the recess for there to be sufficient friction to keep the seal in position
Data Source
AI summary
A seal for a dock levelling system including a movable hinged ramp arranged within a recess. The seal is for sealing a horizontal gap between the hinged end of the movable ramp and a wall of the recess, and includes a rod and a tube of flexible material surrounding the rod.