Floating Dock Securement System With Slidable Base And Movement Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating dock systems face challenges in securely attaching modular or sectional floats to non-floating structures while minimizing movement caused by wind and waves, often resulting in noise and instability.
Innovation Solution
A floating object securement system featuring a slidable base that moves along a track, coupled with a primary movement control member allowing limited rotation about X, Y, and Z axes, and a secondary movement control member for additional shock absorption, designed to absorb forces without squeaking or making obnoxious noises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the floating dock is rigidly attached to the support structure, then stability is improved, but noise is generated due to constant movement from wind and waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a rigid static attachment to a dynamic system that allows controlled movement. The slidable base moving along the track and the movement control member with rotational degrees of freedom enable the dock to adapt to environmental forces (wind and waves) dynamically, preventing the buildup of stress that causes squeaking noises while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the movement parameters from completely restricted (rigid attachment) to controlled movement (slidable base with track, limited rotation via movement control member). This parameter change allows the system to accommodate environmental variations without generating noise, as the controlled movement prevents binding and friction-associated squeaking.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the floating dock is allowed to move freely, then noise is reduced, but stability deteriorates due to excessive movement from wind and waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary elements between the floating dock and support structure: the slidable base acts as an intermediary that provides lateral movement along the track, and the movement control member serves as another intermediary that permits limited rotation. These intermediaries mediate the interaction between the dock and support structure, allowing noise-free operation while maintaining stability through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic control of movement through the slidable base and movement control member to balance noise reduction and stability. The track confines movement to lateral directions, preventing excessive displacement, while the movement control member limits rotation, ensuring the dock remains stable without the rigid constraints that cause squeaking.
3Strength
If strong connections are used between modular floats, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to movement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing rigid strong connections with dynamic connection mechanisms. The slidable base provides strong lateral confinement along the track, while the movement control member offers controlled rotational strength. This dynamic approach maintains structural strength where needed (lateral positioning, limited rotation) while adapting to environmental movements, preventing the dock from being overly rigid.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid constraints are applied to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but noise increases due to friction and binding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid constraints with dynamic constraints. The slidable base moves dynamically along the track rather than being rigidly fixed, and the movement control member allows dynamic rotation within limits. This dynamic constraint system maintains stability while eliminating the friction and binding that cause squeaking noises in rigid constraint systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the constraint parameters from rigid (fixed position and orientation) to controlled flexibility (lateral movement along track, limited rotation). This parameter change transforms the constraint system from one that generates noise through friction to one that maintains stability through controlled, noise-free movement.
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
The system provides secure and quiet operation by allowing limited movement of floating docks due to wind and wave forces, maintaining stability and reducing noise, enhancing the usability and safety of the dock structure.
Implementation Method 1
The primary movement control member 28 may be formed from a resilient material such that the primary movement control member 28 absorbs shock forces without elastically deforming
Implementation Method 2
a slidable base 16 configured to slide along a track 20 that confines the slidable base 16 to only lateral movement generally aligned with a longitudinal axis 29 of the track 20
Data Source
AI summary
A floating object securement system configured to provide limited movement between a floating dock and a support structure while not squeaking or making other obnoxious noises is disclosed. The floating object securement system may include a slidable base configured to slide along a track that confines the slidable base to only lateral movement generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the track. The floating object securement system may include a primary movement control member coupled to the slidable base and extending outwardly from the slidable base. The primary movement control member provides limited movement and rotation of the bracket relative to the slidable base about X, Y and Z axes while not squeaking or making other obnoxious noises.