Interlocking Frame Rail Assemblies for Secure Rub-Rail Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat dock structures lack effective means for interlocking frame rails and accommodating rub-rails, leading to potential dislodgment and damage from watercraft impacts.
Innovation Solution
A frame rail assembly with complementary channels and coupling members for secure attachment of rub-rails, and an interlocking system using connector members and alignment pins for frame rail integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical fasteners (screws, nails, or bolts) are used to attach rub-rails to boat dock structures, then the rub-rails can be securely attached, but the rub-rails become vulnerable to dislodgment and structural integrity is compromised due to potential tear or fracture points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastener system (screws, nails, bolts) with a channel-and-coupling member system. The coupling members insert into channels formed in the boat dock structure and frame rails, eliminating the need for penetrating fasteners that create weak points. This substitution maintains attachment security while preserving the structural integrity of the wood by avoiding tear and fracture points.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing frame rail designs are used, then the frame rails can be attached to boat dock structures, but there is no effective means for interlocking corresponding frame rails to couple separate boat dock structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates universal channels that serve multiple functions: they attach frame rails to boat dock structures and enable interlocking of corresponding frame rails from separate structures. The coupling members engage with these channels to both secure the frame rail and provide interlocking capability, making the system versatile for coupling separate boat dock structures while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the attachment system into separate functional components: channels formed in the boat dock structure and frame rails, and coupling members that engage with these channels. This segmentation allows the same channel-coupling mechanism to serve both attachment and interlocking functions, enabling versatility without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Ease of operation
If rub-rails are mechanically fastened to boat dock sides, then they can be attached, but impact from watercraft easily dislodges them due to potential tear or fracture points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fasteners with a channel-based retention system where coupling members engage with channels in the boat dock structure and frame rails. This system provides impact resistance by distributing forces along the channel length rather than concentrating stress at fastener holes, preventing dislodgment during watercraft impact while maintaining ease of installation through simple coupling member insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
A boat dock structure includes an upper deck, sides extending downward from the upper deck, and a wheel bumper having a substantially round shape. The wheel bumper has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being positioned under the upper deck, the second portion extending outward from the cutout portion of at least one of the sides to protect the boat dock and a boat from damage when the boat is docking at the boat dock adjacent to the wheel bumper. At least one of the sides may have a cutout portion.