Encapsulated Utility Float for Marina Dock Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
In marina construction, existing dock designs require utilities to be run through the structural frame, leading to damage, safety hazards, and increased maintenance costs due to exposure and wear on electrical cables, as well as weakening the dock structure during installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular float design with utility trays or troughs molded into its upper surface allows utilities to run beneath the main frame, enhancing durability and safety by preventing cable exposure and eliminating the need for drilling holes, thus simplifying installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If utilities are run through the structural frame of the dock, then installation is simplified, but cable damage and safety hazards increase due to exposure and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary utility channel or conduit system that runs parallel to or beneath the structural frame, separating utilities from direct contact with the frame while maintaining organized routing. This mediator protects cables from mechanical damage and exposure while preserving installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates utilities from the traditional horizontal routing through the frame to a different spatial dimension - either vertically beneath the frame or in dedicated channels at a different elevation level. This dimensional shift protects utilities while maintaining routing efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If holes are drilled in the wooden structure for utilities, then utility installation is enabled, but dock strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the utility routing function from the structural frame itself, eliminating the need to drill holes through load-bearing wooden members. Utilities are routed through separate dedicated channels or conduits that do not compromise the structural integrity of the dock frame.
3Strength
If frame is replaced after damage, then structural integrity is restored, but all electrical utilities must be pulled and reinstalled increasing time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the utility routing system from the structural frame, creating independent utility channels that can remain in place while the frame is replaced. This separation allows structural repairs to proceed without disrupting utility installations, significantly reducing maintenance time and cost.
4Reliability
If electrical cable is clamped to frame to prevent wear, then cable protection is improved, but cable exposure risk increases when frame is damaged by storms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective intermediary channel or conduit that shields the cable from direct contact with the frame and environmental hazards. This intermediary structure provides consistent protection regardless of frame condition, eliminating the risk of cable exposure during storm damage.
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 reduces the risk of cable damage, enhances dock strength, and lowers maintenance costs while ensuring safer and faster installation and repair processes.
Implementation Method 1
encapsulated flotation is only used to float the dock
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a modular flotation section include a utility trough molded into an upper end of the modular flotation section that extends an entire end-to-end distance of the modular flotation section. The utility trough has an open top end level with a top surface of the modular flotation section, opposing sidewalls that extend downward from the top surface, a closed bottom end, and two opposing open side ends. A depth and width of the utility trough is less than, respectively, a total height and width of the modular flotation section. Electrical cables, water lines, or a combination of the two may be placed within the trough, thereby isolation the cables and lines from the dock frame.