Interlocking Cribbing Blocks for Stable Outrigger Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cribbing systems for outriggers lack maximum contact area and stability, often using items with unknown structural integrity and stability, which can lead to unsafe conditions when supporting heavy loads on uneven ground.
Innovation Solution
A slot lock cribbing block system with stackable blocks featuring upward and downward extending lips and locking plates, providing a stable, gap-free platform with enhanced load capacity and stability through interlocking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional items (logs, rocks, boards) are used to bridge the gap between outrigger and ground, then availability and convenience are improved, but structural integrity and stability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cribbing system is divided into multiple individual blocks that can be stacked to achieve the required height. Each block is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions and features, allowing them to be used independently or in combination. This segmentation enables easy deployment while maintaining consistent structural integrity across all blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The cribbing blocks serve as an intermediary element between the outrigger and the ground. Rather than using random available items, the standardized blocks provide a known, reliable intermediate structure that transfers loads predictably. The blocks mediate the interface between the equipment and uneven ground surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple items are stacked to bridge the gap, then height adjustment is improved, but stability and grip are worsened due to unknown friction and shifting
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple discrete blocks of standardized height that can be stacked in sequence to achieve any required total height. This modular approach provides precise height adjustment while maintaining stability, as each block contributes known geometric properties and surface characteristics for predictable stacking behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocks incorporate vertical lips that extend upward and downward, creating interlocking features in the vertical dimension. These lips engage with corresponding recesses in adjacent blocks, preventing lateral shifting and improving grip between stacked elements. This dimensional feature transforms the stacking interface from a simple horizontal contact to a mechanically interlocked three-dimensional connection.
Solution Approach 3:
The locking plates serve as intermediary elements that secure multiple blocks together in a stacked arrangement. These plates fill gaps between blocks and provide a unified locking mechanism that stabilizes the entire stack, preventing individual blocks from shifting independently while maintaining the adjusted height configuration.
3Strength
If existing cribbing systems are used, then basic support is provided, but maximum contact area and gap elimination are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The blocks are designed with lips that extend vertically, creating overlapping engagement zones between stacked blocks. This dimensional feature increases the effective contact area by adding vertical engagement surfaces in addition to the horizontal bearing surfaces, thereby eliminating gaps and maximizing the contact area for improved load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plates merge multiple block interfaces into a unified stable structure. By placing locking plates between stacked blocks, the system combines the contact areas of multiple surfaces into a continuous load-bearing interface, eliminating gaps and maximizing the effective contact area across the entire cribbing assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more arrangements, a stackable pad system is provided. The system has a plurality of blocks with each block having a flat upper surface with an upward extending lip positioned at opposing ends of the flat upper surface. Each block has a flat lower surface with a downward extending lip positioned at opposing ends of the flat lower surface. In some arrangements, the system includes a bottom locking plate and a top locking plate. When placed together, in a stacked arrangement, wherein a bottom most pair of blocks are stacked on top of the bottom locking plate with bottom lips fitting within the recesses of the bottom locking plate, additional pairs of blocks are stacked on the first pair of blocks and the top locking plate placed on the top most pair blocks, the blocks are all locked together and resist shifting and movement.