Extendable Head Block Docking Station for Standard Trailer Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile docking stations for crane spreaders require customized trailers to accommodate two head block assemblies, leading to increased construction costs, reduced maneuverability, and safety concerns due to wider dimensions and larger turning radii.
Innovation Solution
A mobile docking station with a first frame and a second frame moveably coupled by an engagement assembly that selectively extends to accommodate a second head block assembly, allowing the station to be mounted on a standard trailer, with features like pivoting mechanisms, rigger legs, and corner flare guides for stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile docking station accommodates two head block assemblies side by side, then it can switch between one head block and two head block configurations, but the width of the docking station and trailer bed must be more than double the width of one head block assembly, requiring a customized trailer and substantially increasing construction costs
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station employs a movable second frame that can be selectively extended from a retracted position to an extended position. When retracted, the docking station has a compact width suitable for standard trailers. When extended, it provides space for the second head block assembly. This dynamic configuration allows the same docking station to accommodate both one head block and two head block configurations without requiring a customized wide trailer, thereby reducing construction costs while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a customized trailer with large width is used to accommodate the docking station, then two head block assemblies can be accommodated side by side, but the trailer occupies two standard lanes and requires a big turning radius, substantially decreasing maneuverability and raising safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The second frame is designed to be movable between retracted and extended positions. During transportation, the second frame is kept in the retracted position, reducing the overall width of the docking station to fit within standard trailer dimensions. This allows the trailer to occupy only one lane and requires a normal turning radius, significantly improving maneuverability and safety. When docking operations require two head block assemblies, the second frame is extended to provide the necessary docking capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standard trailer is used, then construction costs are reduced and maneuverability is improved, but the trailer is too narrow to accommodate the width of a docking station for two head block assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station utilizes a movable second frame that can be extended when needed. This allows the docking station to be mounted on a standard trailer with normal width constraints, keeping construction costs low and maneuverability good. When two head block assemblies need to be accommodated, the second frame is extended to provide the necessary space, thereby achieving the required docking capacity without requiring a customized wide trailer.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the second frame is always in the extended position to accommodate two head blocks, then docking capacity is maximized, but the trailer width increases and maneuverability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The second frame is designed to be movable between retracted and extended positions based on operational requirements. During transportation and when only one head block is needed, the second frame is kept in the retracted position, maintaining a compact width for good maneuverability. When two head block assemblies need to be docked simultaneously, the second frame is extended to provide the necessary docking capacity. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both docking capacity and maneuverability at different operational stages.
Data Source
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AI summary
A docking station comprising a first frame arranged to receive a first head block assembly; and a second frame moveably coupled to the first frame by an engagement assembly, wherein the engagement assembly is arranged to selectively move the second frame from a retracted position to an extended position so as to allow the second frame to receive a second head block assembly engageable by the docking station.