Loading Bridge Base Plate Form-Fitting Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dock levelers lack a secure and cost-effective method for supporting and guiding the base plate, which affects the stability and versatility of the loading bridge, particularly for transporting bulk goods.
Innovation Solution
A dock leveler design featuring a ladder frame with multiple frame supports that guide the base plate in a form-fitting manner using angled plate edges and receiving grooves, allowing for secure fastening and forming a tight, flat loading area with optional outer frame supports for enhanced stability and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a base plate is supported on multiple frame beams with form-fitting guidance, then the stability and reliability of the loading bridge is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate's own edge geometry (angled or bent edges) serves as the guiding element that fits into the receiving grooves of the frame beams. The base plate essentially guides itself during installation and operation, eliminating the need for separate guiding components. This self-service approach provides form-fitting guidance that improves reliability while avoiding additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing guiding protrusions on the frame beams, the invention uses recesses (receiving grooves) in the frame beams that receive the angled/bent edges of the base plate. This inverted approach—using negative space rather than positive features for guidance—simplifies the overall construction while maintaining stable support and guidance of the base plate.
2Strength
If the base plate is made of metal with form-fitting guidance, then the mechanical resistance and wear resistance are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the base plate edges (angling or bending them) to create form-fitting interfaces with the frame beams. This geometric modification is a relatively simple manufacturing change that provides enhanced mechanical resistance and stability without requiring expensive materials or complex manufacturing processes. The parameter change approach maintains cost-effectiveness while improving strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If outer frame supports are added to form a tight loading area, then the versatility and load capacity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer frame beams serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, form the boundary of the loading area, and include integrated features (lashing openings, support flanges) for securing various types of cargo. This multi-functionality approach increases versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single structural element performs multiple roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is divided into modular beam elements that can be independently configured and assembled. The outer frame beams are separate from the inner supporting beams, allowing for flexible arrangement and adaptation to different loading requirements. This segmentation enables versatility while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a loading bridge (2) for vehicles (1) with a bridge frame (11) consisting of several frame members (12-17) and a base plate (9) which has a downwardly angled, preferably bent, plate edge (10). The base plate (9) rests on several frame members (12-17) and is guided by its angled plate edge (10) in a receiving groove (28) on frame members (12-17) in a form-fitting manner.