Interlocking Wheel Elevating Dock with Drainage Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel elevating docks face issues such as inability to be used adjacent to each other, difficulty in removal due to lack of gripping structures, compromised structural integrity for drainage, and low-profile design making them hard to identify and use effectively, especially when vehicles transition onto them.
Innovation Solution
A wheel elevating dock design featuring a body member with ramp members that allow interlocking with adjacent docks, drainage cells to prevent water accumulation, and visible indicators to facilitate easy identification and use, along with recesses for easy lifting and attachment of additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple docks are placed immediately adjacent to one another, then the ability to serve vehicles with adjacent tires is improved, but previous configurations prevented this due to structural interference
Solution Approach 1:
The dock body is segmented into modular components with standardized interfaces. The ramp members are separable and can be configured in different arrangements, allowing adjacent docks to be positioned without structural interference while maintaining individual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dock design incorporates universal features that allow it to function both as a standalone unit and as part of a series of adjacent docks. The standardized configuration enables the same dock design to serve vehicles with tires positioned either separately or immediately adjacent to one another.
2Shape
If the dock is designed with a low profile, then it is less obtrusive and easier to store, but visible identification becomes difficult especially during vehicle transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The dock incorporates high-visibility color markings and reflective surfaces that enhance its detectability during vehicle transitions. These visual indicators are integrated into the low-profile structure, allowing the dock to remain unobtrusive while being easily identifiable to drivers and operators.
3Strength
If the dock structure is made solid for structural integrity, then strength is improved, but drainage capabilities are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dock incorporates porous drainage structures that allow water to pass through while maintaining structural strength. The porous design enables drainage capabilities without compromising the overall integrity of the dock body, preventing water accumulation that could lead to rot.
Solution Approach 2:
The dock body is divided into cellular compartments with integrated drainage pathways. This segmentation allows water to drain through designated channels while the solid walls maintain structural strength, resolving the conflict between strength and drainage.
4Device complexity
If the dock lacks gripping structures, then the design is simpler, but removal from the ground becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dock incorporates integrated gripping structures that are part of the basic design rather than add-on components. These structures enable users to easily grip and move the dock without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms, maintaining design simplicity while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel elevating dock including a body member, a first plurality of ramp members attached to a first end of the body member and defining gaps between each ramp member of the first plurality of ramp members, and a second plurality of ramp members attached to a second end of the body member. The gaps defined by the first plurality of ramp members are configured to permit ramp members from an adjacent wheel elevating dock to be positioned within the gaps.