Interlocking Outrigger Pad Assembly for Wide Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outrigger pads fail to effectively distribute heavy loads over a large area, are difficult to transport and store, and can damage supporting surfaces due to high pressure concentrations, leading to instability and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking outrigger pad support system comprising a base pad assembly layer, a support layer, and an upper pad, formed of interlocking components that distribute load over a larger area, are lightweight, easy to transport, and protect supporting surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional pads, mats, blocking or cribbing are used to support outriggers, then they can provide some load distribution, but they do not effectively distribute the load over a large area, leading to ground failure and equipment overturn
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple interlocking pad components that can be arranged to cover a larger area. Each pad segment distributes load locally while the collective arrangement expands the overall load distribution area, preventing ground failure and enhancing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pad components are combined through interlocking mechanisms to form a unified support structure. This merging allows the system to achieve both large load distribution area and high stability simultaneously, as the interconnected pads work together to prevent ground failure and equipment overturn.
2Area of stationary object
If large pads or mats are used to distribute load over a wide area, then load distribution improves, but such large devices are not practical to transport, store, deploy, remove or adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The large support structure is segmented into smaller, manageable pad components that can be easily transported and stored. These segments are designed to interlock when deployed, creating a large load distribution area on-site without requiring the transport of a single large device.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad system transitions from a static large device to a dynamic assembly of movable segments. The interlocking mechanism allows the pads to be easily assembled and disassembled, providing practical transportability and storage while maintaining large load distribution capability when deployed.
3Length of moving object
If outrigger feet are small, then they can be compact and easy to handle, but they create high pressure or point loaded moments that make it difficult to distribute pressure over the required area
Solution Approach 1:
The small outrigger foot contact point is distributed across multiple pad segments that interlock to form a larger pressure distribution area. This segmentation converts the concentrated point load into a distributed load across the entire pad assembly, reducing pressure concentration while maintaining compact outrigger design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a one-dimensional point contact (small outrigger foot) to a two-dimensional distributed contact area (interlocking pad assembly). This dimensional expansion allows the small outrigger feet to effectively distribute pressure over a much larger area, reducing stress concentration.
4Device complexity
If traditional pads are used with small outrigger feet, then the setup is simple, but the high concentration of pressure causes traditional materials such as wood to fail abruptly from compression and sheer
Solution Approach 1:
The pad system uses composite construction with high-strength materials designed to withstand the concentrated pressures from small outrigger feet. The interlocking design distributes these forces across multiple components, preventing abrupt failure while maintaining relative system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad system is designed in advance to cushion and distribute the concentrated pressures from small outrigger feet before they can cause material failure. The interlocking structure and material selection are predetermined to prevent compression and shear failure, ensuring safety while keeping the system simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An interlocking outrigger pad support system is provided. The system includes a base pad assembly layer, a support layer, and an upper pad. The base pad assembly layer is formed of a plurality of base pads having alignment features that extend across at least a portion of the upper surface of the plurality of base pads. The support layer is placed on top of the base pad assembly layer and the support layer engages and is held in place by the alignment features of the plurality of base pads. In one or more arrangements, the upper pad has an upper surface and a lower surface, with the lower surface also having an alignment feature. When the upper pad is placed on top of the support layer, the alignment feature of the upper pad engages and is held in place by the support layer.