Stabilizer pad and assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizer pads for heavy construction equipment are difficult to transport, lack ergonomic features, and suffer from deflection during use, which compromises their load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic stabilizer pad assembly with modular components that can be nested together for easier transportation and assembly, featuring an ergonomic handle arrangement and an auxiliary component that compensates for pad deflection, allowing for improved load distribution and handling of heavy pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stabilizer pads are made heavy (over 50 pounds) to provide sufficient load-bearing capacity and ground protection, then the pad can support heavy equipment loads, but the pad becomes difficult to transport and may topple over during rolling transport
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer pad is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be detached from each other. This allows the heavy pad to be broken into smaller, more manageable pieces for easier transport while maintaining the full load-bearing capacity when assembled together on the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer pad segments are designed to nest within each other when not in use, similar to nested dolls. This compact nesting arrangement reduces the space required for storage and transport while allowing the segments to be easily carried individually or in small groups.
2Ease of operation
If rope handles are constructed through holes in the mat to assist with transporting, then the handles provide lifting assistance, but the integrity of rope handles deteriorates over repeated use and eventually breaks apart
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is constructed using composite materials, specifically a combination of rigid anchor points embedded in the pad and flexible but高强 strength cables or straps. This composite construction provides both the durability of rigid materials and the flexibility of soft materials, preventing the deterioration and breaking issues associated with pure rope handles.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle components are extracted as separate, replaceable elements rather than being permanently integrated into the pad. The cable or strap portion can be independently replaced if worn, while the anchor points remain embedded in the pad, separating the wear-prone elements from the durable mounting structures.
3Strength
If cable handles are attached using pins through anchor holes, then the handles provide secure attachment, but the pins may become insecure and risk detachment from the mat during lifting and moving
Solution Approach 1:
The handle attachment system merges multiple securing mechanisms into a unified assembly. Instead of relying solely on pins through holes, the design combines pinned connections with additional friction fits, interlocking features, or redundant attachment points, creating a multi-layered security system that prevents detachment even if one mechanism fails.
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomic stabilizer pad and ergonomic assembly that stabilizes equipment—e.g., cranes or vehicles with outriggers—during use as well as protects the ground surface on which the equipment is placed. The stabilizer pad includes an ergonomic handle and arrangement. An ergonomic stabilizer pad assembly comprises modular components that divide the weight of the assembly between individual components. Each component can be separately transported and a stabilizer pad assembly quickly and easily constructed and deconstructed. Furthermore, the ergonomic stabilizer pad assembly compensates for deflection of the pad that occurs during use and may be used with existing stabilizer pads. The invention eases lifting tasks associated with transporting and positioning stabilizer pads and may reduce the incidence of user injuries. According to the invention, any size pad, even large sizes with a large weight, can be easily handled.