Removable Dock Bracket for Seasonal Ice Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dock and pier installation and removal processes are inefficient due to high weight and time-consuming adjustments, especially in cold climates where ice conditions require annual removal and reinstallation.
Innovation Solution
A removable mounting pipe bracket system that separates from the main dock bracket, allowing for reduced weight and pre-adjusted installation, featuring a detachable collar that slides along dock legs and uses pins and keepers for secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the dock bracket is made as a single integrated unit, then the structure is simpler and stronger, but the weight is too high for easy removal and reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The dock bracket system is divided into two separate components: a permanent dock bracket that remains attached to the dock structure, and a removable mounting pipe bracket that can be detached and stored. This segmentation allows the heavy permanent portion to stay behind while only the lighter removable portion needs to be handled during seasonal installation and removal, effectively reducing the weight that must be moved without compromising the overall structural strength of the complete assembly.
2Reliability
If the mounting pipe bracket is permanently attached, then the connection is more secure, but the installation and removal process becomes time-consuming due to adjustments required
Solution Approach 1:
The removable mounting pipe bracket is pre-adjusted to the correct height and position during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary action ensures that when the bracket is reinstalled the following year, it requires minimal adjustment to achieve proper alignment and height, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure connection through the pre-configured mounting geometry and attachment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the bracket is designed for easy removal, then the seasonal maintenance is simpler, but the connection reliability during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system employs dynamic attachment characteristics through pinned connections that provide rigid, reliable support during operational periods while allowing for controlled detachment during maintenance. The pinned joint creates a stable mechanical connection that ensures connection reliability when assembled, yet the same pin mechanism enables straightforward removal when needed, achieving both ease of operation for seasonal maintenance and operational reliability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Dock mounting brackets have dock connections and fixed post mounting connections. A removable section of each bracket allows the removable mounting pipe bracket to be removed from the main dock bracket, which greatly reduces the weight of the dock or pier when installing or removing it from a lake or river. The removable mounting pipe bracket helps when reinstalling the dock the following year because the removable mounting pipe bracket is already adjusted to the correct height, saving installation time in the water. In cold climates, docks or piers are removed each year due to ice conditions.