Ice Ramp Bracket with Triangular Cross-Section for Dock Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods to protect marine docks from ice damage, such as de-icers and bubblers, are not foolproof and require electricity, making them impractical for seasonal vacation homes, and existing ice ramp attachment systems can cause undue stress on docks leading to mechanical failure.

Innovation Solution

An ice ramp system with a catch plate, triangular brackets, and angled ice ramp support faces that securely attach to the dock using a hook and backplate, preventing water from freezing inside the brackets and reducing manufacturing costs by minimizing separate parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If de-icers and bubblers are used to protect docks from ice damage, then the dock is protected from ice damage, but the system requires electricity and is impractical for seasonal vacation homes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice damage protectionVSAvoidelectricity requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical de-icing systems with a mechanical ice ramp system that uses the natural expansion force of freezing water to push ice over the dock. The system consists of a ramp structure positioned at the dock edge that redirects ice movement, eliminating the need for electricity while maintaining ice damage protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of ice expansion into a beneficial force by designing a ramp that uses the natural expansion pressure of freezing water to propel ice over the dock rather than against it. The system harnesses the ice's own expansion force to achieve the protective effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If traditional ice ramp attachment systems are used, then ice ramps can be secured to docks, but undue stress is caused on docks leading to mechanical failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice ramp attachmentVSAvoiddock structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by distributing the attachment points along the dock structure rather than concentrating force at single points. The ramp system uses multiple contact points and a distributed attachment mechanism that spreads the load across a larger area of the dock, reducing stress concentration and preventing structural failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If complex attachment systems with multiple separate parts are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate attachment components into a single integrated bracket structure. The bracket combines the mounting plate, attachment mechanism, and positioning elements into one piece that can be manufactured as a single unit, reducing part count, simplifying assembly, and lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10683629B2Ice ramp system, bracket, and method

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 PRO BUILT DOCKS LLC

AI summary

An ice ramp system for a dock including a catch plate adapted for horizontal mounting on a dock side surface of a dock; a plurality of ice ramps; a plurality of brackets, each bracket including a triangular cross-section with a bisecting element; an angled ice ramp support face for angularly supporting an ice ramp; a notch at a lower end of the support face for receiving an edge of an ice ramp; a hook that extends from an upper end of the support face that is mountable to a dock top surface; and a backplate having a downwardly extending tongue that mates with the catch plate.