Sliding Bumper Assembly with Enclosed Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current loading dock bumpers suffer from increased friction and damage during trailer movement, exposure of biasing mechanisms to environmental elements, and reduced contact effectiveness when trailers are at an angle, leading to wear and repair needs.
Innovation Solution
A bumper apparatus with a mounting structure, a resilient bumper assembly, and a biasing mechanism that allows for longitudinal movement and encloses the biasing mechanism within the assembly, enabling it to maintain contact with trailers at various angles and allowing for replacement without replacing the entire mounting structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stationary loading dock bumpers are used, then the structure is simple and easy to install, but friction increases and damage occurs during trailer movement
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper assembly is designed to be movable rather than stationary, allowing it to slide vertically along the mounting structure. This dynamic design enables the bumper to adapt to trailer height variations and movement, reducing friction and wear while maintaining protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper system is divided into separate components: a mounting structure fixed to the dock and a movable bumper assembly. This segmentation allows the bumper to independently move relative to the mounting structure, reducing the friction and damage that would occur with a fully stationary design.
2Ease of operation
If springs are exposed to cushion the bumper, then vertical movement is enabled, but the springs are exposed to environmental elements causing accelerated wear
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism (springs) is nested within the bumper assembly housing. This nesting protects the springs from direct exposure to environmental elements such as dirt, rain, snow, and sleet, while still allowing them to perform their cushioning function. The housing acts as a protective enclosure that isolates the mechanical components from external contaminants.
3Ease of manufacture
If bumpers are installed in parallel relation with the loading dock wall, then installation is simple, but contact is reduced when trailers are at an angle
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper assembly can move vertically along the mounting structure, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to maintain contact with trailers at various angles. This dynamic movement compensates for the fixed parallel installation, ensuring reliable contact regardless of trailer orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper assembly changes its vertical position parameter in response to trailer contact. When a trailer approaches at an angle, the bumper moves vertically to adjust its contact point, maintaining effective engagement. This parameter change allows the bumper to adapt to different trailer angles while remaining installed in a simple parallel configuration.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the bumper assembly is fixed to the mounting structure, then stability is high, but replacement requires replacing the entire mounting structure
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper system is segmented into a mounting structure and a removable bumper assembly. The bumper assembly can be detached from the mounting structure through the guide channels, allowing replacement of only the bumper assembly rather than the entire mounting structure. This segmentation maintains stability during operation while enabling easy repair and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper assembly is designed with dynamic attachability, allowing it to be securely mounted during operation and easily removed for replacement. The guide channels provide a dynamic connection that maintains stability when attached but facilitates simple detachment when replacement is needed, balancing stability with ease of repair.
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
The solution reduces friction and wear, protects the biasing mechanism from environmental damage, and ensures consistent contact with trailers, extending the lifespan of the bumper system and reducing repair costs.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism (30) for biasing the bumper assembly (16) in a longitudinal position relative to the mounting structure (12)
Implementation Method 2
a resilient bumper (28) for engaging the transport vehicle (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A bumper apparatus comprising a mounting structure attachable to a surface, and a bumper assembly slidably and removably engaged with the mounting structure. The mounting structure comprises a bumper assembly engagement structure. The bumper assembly comprises: a mount engagement structure for longitudinal slidable engagement with the bumper assembly engagement structure, a bumper attached to the mount engagement structure, and a biasing mechanism. In use, the removeable bumper assembly rests upon a biasing mechanism retaining structure attached generally to a bottom end of the mounting structure, in a neutral position when no unbalanced external force is applied at least partially longitudinally to the bumper assembly. When the bumper assembly is acted upon by such force applied toward the biasing mechanism retaining structure to move the bumper assembly into a lowered position, the biasing mechanism biases the bumper assembly upward, toward the neutral position.