Inflatable Weather Barrier Bellows for Loading Docks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dock shelters struggle to provide an effective and efficient sealing mechanism against environmental elements, particularly wind, rain, and temperature variations, while also being compact and easy to retract when not in use.

Innovation Solution

The use of inflatable upper and side seals with a bellows system, powered by springs or counterweights, which can be easily retracted using a mechanical multiplier mechanism to maximize travel distance with minimal spring movement, allowing for a compact design and efficient sealing against vehicles at loading docks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inflatable bellows are used to provide a high-quality seal against vehicles, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the device occupies more space when deployed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidspace occupied by bellows

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bellows are designed to nest within the header structure when retracted, with the inflatable sections collapsing into a compact form that fits within the available space in the header assembly. This nesting approach allows the bellows to provide extensive sealing coverage when inflated while occupying minimal space when deflated and stored.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The bellows transition from a static compact form to a dynamic inflated state, changing their volume and shape based on operational requirements. When inflation is needed, the bellows expand to contact the vehicle; when not in use, they deflate and retract to a compact configuration, providing adaptability between sealed and stored states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a mechanical multiplier mechanism is used to retract bellows with minimal spring movement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction effortVSAvoidmechanical multiplier mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical multiplication mechanisms with a more straightforward spring-based retraction system. The spring directly connects to the bellows and provides sufficient retraction force without requiring intermediate mechanical multipliers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded retraction mechanism automatically returns the bellows to their retracted position after inflation, without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems. The system serves itself by using the stored elastic energy in the spring to perform the retraction function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If the bellows are made compact for storage, then space efficiency is improved, but sealing quality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage compactnessVSAvoidsealing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bellows are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to transition between a compact stored state and an expanded sealing state. When inflated, they expand to their full operational dimensions to ensure high-quality sealing contact with the vehicle, while in the deflated state they collapse to a compact form for efficient storage within the header structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides a high-quality seal against environmental elements, is compact for storage, and ensures easy retraction, maintaining operational efficiency and reducing the overall dimensional profile of the dock shelter system.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

mechanical multiplier mechanism to maximize travel distance with minimal spring movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

a blower inflates the bellows so that they sealingly compress against the rear upper and side surfaces of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentUS9969576B1Inflatable weather barriers for loading docks

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 RITE HITE HLDG CORP

AI summary

Inflatable weather barriers for loading docks are disclosed. An example weather barrier includes an upper bellows defining a header air chamber between a top portion and a bottom portion of the upper bellows. A blower is in fluid communication with the header air chamber and the blower is selectively activated to discharge a pressurized air into the header air chamber to urge the upper bellows from a raised position toward a lowered position. The weather barrier includes a first extension spring that is under a first extension spring tension, a first pulley, and a first elongate member that is pliable. The first elongate member is under a first elongate member tension that urges the upper bellows toward the raised position. The first elongate member is wrapped at least partially around the first pulley and the first extension spring being connected to the first pulley such that the first pulley transmits the first extension spring tension to the first elongate member to subject the first elongate member to the first elongate member tension.