Integrated RIG Bumper Absorbing Shock and Supporting Dock Leveler

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Loading docks face challenges in safely securing vehicles and efficiently managing dock leveler operations, as existing solutions often require separate structures for shock absorption and deck support, leading to increased installation costs and space constraints for electrical components.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of dual-purpose RIG bumpers that absorb shock impacts and support dock leveler lips, eliminating the need for separate structures and providing space for electrical wiring, with resiliently compressible materials to absorb impacts and maintain deck position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate structures are used for shock absorption and dock leveler support, then each function can be performed independently, but installation costs increase and space for electrical components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle securingVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the shock absorption function and the dock leveler support function into a single integrated bumper structure. The bumper includes a shock-absorbing element and a lip support element that work together to perform both functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate structures and reducing installation complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bumper is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes: absorbing shock from vehicle impacts, supporting the dock leveler lip at the cross-traffic position, and providing structural reinforcement. This universal design reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate structures are used for shock absorption and dock leveler support, then each function can be performed independently, but space for electrical wiring is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle securingVSAvoidspace for electrical components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If resiliently compressible materials are used to absorb impacts, then shock absorption is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact shockVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bumper employs composite construction, combining resiliently compressible materials (such as rubber or foam) with rigid structural elements (such as metal or hard plastic). This composite approach allows the bumper to absorb impact shocks effectively while maintaining structural integrity and avoiding excessive complexity through the use of material properties rather than complex mechanical designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces installation costs, enhances safety by securely holding vehicles, and optimizes space for electrical components, allowing for efficient loading and unloading operations while maintaining the dock leveler's functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a resiliently compressible member positioned within the casing member between the RIG-engaging surface and the dock face

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

resiliently compressible materials to absorb impacts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9790038B2Bumpers for use at loading docks

Publication Date: 2017.10.17 RITE HITE HLDG CORP

AI summary

Bumpers for use at loading docks include a housing defining a lip-engaging surface to engage a lip of a deck when the lip is in a retracted position, and a RIG-engaging surface positioned adjacent the lip-engaging surface. The RIG-engaging surface is movable relative to the lip-engaging surface. The RIG-engaging surface is to move relative to the lip-engaging surface when a RIG of a vehicle imparts a force to the RIG-engaging surface when the vehicle is at a loading dock.