Modular Dock Housing With Fork Pockets and Slotted Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dock housings are not modular and easily moveable, requiring concrete construction and not integrating conventional loading dock levelers, nor do they allow for adjustments based on building wall conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular dock housing system with a base and frame sections that include integral fork pockets for movement and slotted-base attachments for securement, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, integration of various dock levelers, and adjustable configurations to fit different building conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional dock housings are constructed using permanent concrete construction, then structural stability is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dock housing is divided into modular sections including a base, frame sections, and siding panels that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The frame sections include vertical posts and horizontal beams that connect through bolted joints, allowing the structure to be segmented into transportable units while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The dock housing transitions from a static permanent concrete structure to a dynamic modular system that can be reconfigured. The modular frame sections with standardized connection points enable the structure to be dynamically assembled, disassembled, and relocated based on operational needs while maintaining stability during use.
2Strength
If dock housings are designed as fixed permanent structures, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to different building conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into standardized sections that can be configured in different arrangements to accommodate various building wall conditions. Each frame section maintains structural strength through standardized connection details while the modular nature allows adaptation to different site requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular frame sections are designed with universal connection points and standardized dimensions that allow the same components to be used in multiple configurations. This universality enables the dock housing to adapt to different building conditions while maintaining structural strength through consistent connection methods.
3Stability of the object's composition
If dock housings are constructed as integrated permanent structures, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of repair and modification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dock housing is segmented into modular frame sections that can be independently accessed and replaced. If a section requires repair or modification, only that specific module needs to be disconnected and replaced rather than working on the entire structure, maintaining structural integrity while facilitating easy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows damaged or obsolete frame sections to be easily disconnected and replaced with new or refurbished sections. The standardized connection system enables quick removal of problematic components and installation of replacements, simplifying repair and modification processes while preserving the overall structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for constructing a dock housing for a pre-existing loading dock. The dock housing includes a base with top and bottom surfaces and front, back and opposed sidewalls. The front wall has integral fork pockets for interaction with forks on a fork truck for movement of the base into a desired location and the top surface has an opening to receive a dock leveler into such opening. Also included is a modular frame mounted onto the base in sections, the sections including a frame-front wall, opposed frame-sidewalls and a frame-top wall, the frame-front wall having a trailer-receiving opening to receive a trailer, the frame-sidewalls including a slotted-base attachment for securement of the base and sidewalls together. The dock housing is formed by securing the frame-sidewalls to a wall of a pre-existing building as well as securing the base, the frame-front wall and the frame-top wall together.