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, increasing construction costs and reducing maneuverability and safety due to their large width and turning radius.
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 operation on a standard trailer with enhanced maneuverability and safety through a pivoting mechanism, rigger legs, and corner flare guides.
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 cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the second frame moveably coupled to the first frame through an engagement assembly that allows the second frame to extend from a retracted position to an extended position. This dynamic configuration enables the docking station to accommodate one or two head block assemblies as needed, while maintaining a compact width when transporting on a standard trailer, thereby avoiding the need for expensive customized trailers.
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 moveably coupled to the first frame, allowing it to extend only when needed for receiving head block assemblies. During transportation, the second frame remains in a retracted position, reducing the overall width to fit within one standard lane and improving maneuverability without sacrificing the capability to accommodate two head block assemblies when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station is divided into two separate frames (first frame and second frame) that can operate independently. The second frame can be extended only when needed, allowing the docking station to maintain a compact profile during transport while providing expanded capacity during operation, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and maneuverability.
Data Source
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.