Dock Ramp Actable Seal and Retractable Bumper Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dock ramp assemblies fail to create a full seal around transport vehicles of varying heights due to the presence of bumpers, which obstruct the extension of lower seals, leading to contamination issues in controlled environments like food production plants.
Innovation Solution
A dock ramp assembly with an actable seal around the periphery that transitions into an extended operable state to form a complete seal, combined with a retractable bumper system that allows the lower seal to be positioned correctly, ensuring a sealed passageway between the transport vehicle and the facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bumper is installed to protect the dock ramp assembly from damage, then the reliability of the dock ramp assembly is improved, but the lower seal cannot extend to create a complete seal around the transport vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper is designed to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. During loading/unloading, the bumper extends to protect the dock ramp assembly from vehicle impact. When the vehicle is properly positioned, the bumper can be retracted to allow the lower seal to extend and create a complete seal around the vehicle, preventing contamination while maintaining protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple independent seals (upper seal, side seals, and lower seal) that can operate independently. The lower seal is specifically designed to be movable and extendable, allowing it to reach its sealing position against the vehicle undercarriage when the bumper is retracted, while other seals remain in place to maintain the sealed environment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a lower seal is extended to create a complete seal around the transport vehicle, then the prevention of contamination is improved, but the seal cannot reach the vehicle due to the bumper obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The lower seal is designed as a movable component that can extend and retract. During the docking process, the bumper is retracted first, then the lower seal extends to make contact with the vehicle undercarriage and create a seal. This dynamic operation allows the seal to reach its effective position without permanent obstruction from the bumper.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by retracting the bumper before extending the lower seal. This sequence ensures that the path for the lower seal extension is clear, allowing the seal to reach the vehicle and create the required seal without obstruction. The bumper is positioned in advance to not interfere with the sealing operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the dock ramp assembly accommodates transport vehicles of different heights, then the adaptability is improved, but creating a consistent seal around vehicles of varying heights becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lower seal is designed with movable and adjustable characteristics that allow it to adapt to different vehicle heights. The seal can extend to different positions and maintain contact with the vehicle undercarriage regardless of the vehicle's height, ensuring a consistent seal is achieved across various vehicle types while accommodating height variations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bumper assembly for engaging a transport vehicle at a loading dock comprising at least one movable bumper mounted in a bumper housing. The bumper is mounted on a support frame which is movable within the bumper housing. The bumper housing has a pair of guide channels in which are received flanges of the support frame to guide movement of the support frame in a diagonal direction.