Vehicle-Actuated Dock Seal Mechanism for Height Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dock weather barriers face challenges such as interference with fork lift and operator access due to compressed side members, susceptibility to power losses and tears in inflatable seals, and the need for extensive building wall space for rigid side members in dock shelters.

Innovation Solution

The development of vehicle-actuated mechanisms that forcibly press a seal member against the vehicle's roof, using expanding bulbs or compressible members, and header structures with spring-biased extendable swing arms to maintain sealing pressure over varying roof heights and positions, while mitigating jam conditions through adjustable components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If compressed side members are used in dock seals, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but access to the opening is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidaccess to opening

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The side members are divided into multiple segments that can independently compress and rebound. Each segment contains a resilient element that allows localized compression during vehicle backing in, then automatically rebounds to maintain clearance, preventing obstruction of the opening while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side members transition from a static compressed state to a dynamic system that automatically adjusts its position. The resilient elements enable the side members to compress when needed for sealing and then dynamically rebound to maintain access clearance, creating a living barrier that adapts to vehicle movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If rigid side members are used in dock shelters, then structural strength is improved, but building wall space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidbuilding wall space

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The side members use flexible resilient elements wrapped within a protective outer layer. This flexible construction provides sufficient structural strength to withstand vehicle impacts while occupying minimal building wall space, as the resilient elements can compress and rebound without requiring the extensive clearance space needed by rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The side members combine multiple materials including resilient elements (such as foam or inflatable cores) wrapped in protective outer layers. This composite construction achieves the necessary structural strength while maintaining a compact profile that consumes minimal building wall space compared to traditional rigid members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If inflatable side members are used, then compressibility is improved, but reliability decreases due to power losses and tears

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompressibilityVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The side members use locally adaptable resilient elements that can compress and rebound independently. Each local section contains its own resilient core surrounded by protective material, allowing it to adapt to compression forces without compromising the overall seal integrity, thus maintaining reliability while achieving necessary compressibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient elements are pre-configured with protective outer layers and internal cushioning structures that prevent damage from compression forces. This beforehand cushioning protects against power losses and tears by distributing mechanical stresses throughout the resilient element, maintaining seal integrity while preserving the ability to compress for adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution provides unobstructed access for loading and unloading, enhances sealing integrity against rain and airflow, and reduces the need for extensive building wall space, ensuring effective sealing across a range of vehicle positions and heights.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient element (e.g., a foam element or an inflatable element) surrounded by an outer layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

header structures with spring-biased extendable swing arms to maintain sealing pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9193543B2Loading dock weather barrier apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 RITE HITE HLDG CORP

AI summary

Example weather barrier apparatuses disclosed herein include vehicle-actuated mechanisms for forcibly pressing a seal member down against a roof of a vehicle parked at a loading dock. In some examples, rather than relying on gravity alone, rearward movement of the vehicle mechanically expands a seal member to create sufficient reach and sealing pressure to press the expandable seal member firmly against vehicle roofs of various heights and positions. In some examples, an example vehicle-actuated mechanism disclosed herein forces a compressible seal down against the vehicle's roof and maintains a compressive sealing force over a range of roof heights and positions. Some example weather barrier apparatuses disclosed herein include example means for mitigating certain jam conditions.