Dock Light Bent Arm Mounting for Trailer Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dock light systems often fail to provide adequate illumination and safety during trailer loading and unloading due to obstructions like door tracks, which can impede the light's ability to effectively illuminate the interior of trailers without risking damage from forklift impacts or door movements.
Innovation Solution
A dock light apparatus featuring an elongated bent arm with a rigid bend, a light fixture at the distal end, and a bracket assembly at the proximal end, allowing the light to be mounted adjacent to a loading dock door while clearing obstructions, ensuring unimpeded illumination and stability against incidental impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light fixture is positioned to extend into the trailer interior, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damage from forklift impacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a bent arm configuration that extends the light fixture into the trailer interior space without projecting forward into the forklift travel path. By utilizing the vertical and lateral dimensions rather than just the horizontal projection, the system achieves deep interior illumination while maintaining safety from ground-level equipment impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into distinct functional segments: a sturdy bracket assembly anchored to the dock structure, a flexible bent arm providing structural support and positioning, and the light fixture head. This segmentation allows the mounting hardware to remain protected while the light fixture extends into the illumination zone.
2Area of stationary object
If the light fixture is mounted close to the door opening, then illumination coverage is improved, but vulnerability to door movement damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bent arm design positions the light fixture laterally and vertically relative to the door opening rather than directly in front of it. This spatial repositioning allows the fixture to illuminate the trailer interior effectively while being clear of the door's movement path, eliminating the conflict between coverage and vulnerability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bent arm acts as an intermediary structural element between the fixed mounting bracket and the light fixture. It provides a rigid yet geometrically offset connection that transmits illumination coverage benefits while isolating the fixture from direct door movement forces.
3Strength
If a rigid bent arm structure is used, then stability against impacts is improved, but adaptability to different mounting positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
While the bent arm itself is a rigid structure for strength, the overall mounting system incorporates adjustable elements in the bracket assembly that allow the rigid arm to be positioned at different locations and angles. This combines structural rigidity with installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate various dock door configurations and positions. The rigid bent arm can be installed in multiple orientations and locations while maintaining its structural integrity and impact resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A dock light apparatus comprises a light fixture and an elongated arm including an axially straight portion coupled to an axially curved portion having a rigid bend. The straight portion is configured to mount to a wall and the curved portion is configured to support the light fixture.