Modular Loading Dock with Integrated Leveler and Adjustable Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading docks with dock housings are limited by the need for concrete construction, lack of modularity, and inability to easily adjust to different grades, and are not easily movable or integrable with conventional loading dock levelers.
Innovation Solution
A modular loading dock with a mobile base featuring adjustable leg members and feet that can conform to varying grades, integrated with a dock leveler that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and relocated, and a modular frame with a tensioned vinyl covering for weather protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional loading docks are built with concrete construction, then structural strength and stability are improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The loading dock system is divided into separate modular components including a dock housing, a mobile base with adjustable leg members, and an integrated dock leveler. These segments can be assembled and disassembled independently without concrete construction, yet maintain structural strength through their interconnected design
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile base with adjustable leg members serves as an intermediary component that connects the dock housing to the ground surface. This mediator provides the necessary structural support and stability traditionally achieved through concrete, while remaining modular and easily reconfigurable
2Stability of the object's composition
If loading docks are built as permanent structures, then stability is improved, but mobility and repositionability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile base incorporates adjustable leg members with feet that can be dynamically repositioned and adjusted to different heights and positions. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt to various ground conditions and locations while maintaining stability during loading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable leg members enable changes in key parameters including height, angle, and position of the dock housing. By modifying these parameters, the system can conform to different grades and surfaces, providing both mobility and stability as needed
3Ease of manufacture
If dock housings are designed as fixed structures, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different grades deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the dock housing from the support structure (mobile base) allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes. The modular design maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling grade adaptation through the adjustable base components
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile base with adjustable leg members serves multiple functions: providing structural support, adapting to different grades and surfaces, and enabling repositioning. This multi-functional component replaces the need for custom-built fixed structures for each application
4Ease of repair
If conventional dock levelers are separate from the dock housing, then ease of replacement and maintenance is improved, but integration and structural unity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dock leveler is integrated with the mobile base structure, combining the leveler mechanism with the support framework. This merging provides structural unity and stability while maintaining ease of replacement, as the entire mobile base assembly can be removed and replaced as a unit
Data Source
AI summary
A modular loading dock with a mobile base includes an adjustable front section with front opposing adjustable leg members and middle opposing adjustable leg members, two adjustable feet connect each front leg member to a middle leg member, as well as an adjustable back section connected to the adjustable front section and including opposing rear adjustable leg members each having a grade plate. The mobile base has top and bottom surfaces, the top surface has an opening to receive a dock leveler into such opening, the dock leveler includes a lower end and an upper end, the upper end abuts a preexisting structure and the lower end has a lower edge having a lip, the lip being able to be activated between an extended/engaged position to contact a truck bed and a retracted/disengaged position.