Shimless Pivot Boss Dock Leveler for Faster Stable Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dock leveler designs require significant time and effort for installation due to shimming of multiple parts, are not easily adjustable to accommodate variations, and lack optimal stability and longevity, leading to increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A dock leveler design with a bridge assembly, adjustable leg bracket assembly, and shimless pivot boss system that allows for efficient installation and improved stability through adjustable components without the need for shims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If shimming is used to level and stabilize the dock leveler, then installation precision is improved, but installation time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the shimming process entirely from the installation procedure. The adjustable leg bracket assembly with threaded adjustment shafts allows direct height and level adjustment without requiring shims, thereby eliminating the time-consuming shimming operation while maintaining installation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustable components (threaded adjustment shafts, adjustable lip keeper assembly) that enable dynamic adjustment of the dock leveler's position and level during installation. This replaces the static shimming approach with a dynamic adjustment mechanism that is both faster and more precise.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple parts require shimming, then stability of the dock leveler is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable leg bracket assembly serves multiple functions: it provides height adjustment, level adjustment, and stability correction all through a single integrated mechanism. The threaded adjustment shafts simultaneously control vertical position and horizontal level, replacing multiple separate shimming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple shimming operations into a single adjustable leg bracket assembly. Instead of shimming separate components (leg bracket, chassis, etc.), the integrated adjustable assembly provides comprehensive adjustment for the entire dock leveler system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the dock leveler is made adjustable to accommodate variations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable components (threaded adjustment shafts, adjustable lip keeper assembly) that allow the dock leveler to adapt to various installation conditions. These dynamic adjustment mechanisms enable the system to accommodate pit variations, dock level differences, and transport height variations without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
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
Facilitates quicker and more stable installation, reduces maintenance, and enhances the longevity of the dock leveler by eliminating the need for shimming and providing adjustable features for varying installation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded adjustment shaft may extend through the threaded hole of the horizontal plate and may be configured to adjust a height of the leg bracket assembly by rotation of the adjustment shaft relative to the horizontal plate
Implementation Method 2
The pivot boss may include a first mounting plate coupled to the adjustment bracket and a first hole and a pivot rod for pivotable attachment to at least one of a lower arm and an upper arm of a lift arm assembly
Implementation Method 3
The lip keeper assembly may be configured to selectively secure the lip in the stow position
Data Source
AI summary
A dock leveler for a loading dock. In some embodiments, the dock leveler may include a plurality of legs, a horizontally extending lower bracket coupled to a bottom region of each leg of the plurality of legs, a horizontally extending upper bracket coupled to an upper region of each leg of the plurality of legs, and a pivot boss coupled to the lower bracket. The pivot boss may include a first mounting plate coupled to the adjustment bracket and a first hole and a pivot rod for pivotable attachment to at least one of a lower arm and an upper arm of a lift arm assembly.