Sliding Support Structure for Loading Platforms Under Wind Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading and unloading platforms fixedly connected to floors susceptible to horizontal movements, such as those in distribution centers with storeys, are prone to instability during strong winds or vertical forces from docked trucks, leading to potential lifting or displacement.
Innovation Solution
The platform employs supports with a foot upper part and a supporting part lower part, featuring a lead-through opening system with a larger diameter in the supporting part lower part and a Teflon disc, allowing for horizontal movement and limiting vertical forces, thereby preventing lifting or displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the supporting part lower part is rigidly fixed to the foot upper part, then the platform gains stability against vertical forces, but the platform cannot absorb horizontal movements of the driveway
Solution Approach 1:
The support connection transitions from a static rigid fixation to a dynamic system that adapts to different force directions. The lead-through opening allows the supporting part lower part to move horizontally relative to the foot upper part, absorbing driveway movements, while the fastening means prevents vertical lifting, creating a dynamic adaptive connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The support is divided into distinct functional components: the foot upper part for horizontal movement, the supporting part lower part for vertical load bearing, and the lead-through opening with fastening means that segments the constraint functions, allowing independent optimization of horizontal and vertical force responses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the supporting part lower part is made movable with respect to the foot upper part, then the platform can absorb horizontal movements, but the platform becomes vulnerable to lifting by wind or truck forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system dynamically responds to different force vectors: it allows horizontal displacement through the lead-through opening while maintaining vertical restraint through the fastening means, creating a directionally selective mobility that solves both stability and adaptability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead-through opening creates an asymmetric constraint system where movement is permitted in one direction (horizontal) but restricted in the opposite direction (vertical), matching the asymmetric nature of the problem where horizontal movement needs to be absorbed but vertical lifting must be prevented.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a steel plate is used to slide onto the underground, then horizontal movements can be absorbed, but the platform is prone to lifting during strong winds or under vertical forces
Solution Approach 1:
The support system transitions from a passive sliding steel plate to an active constrained movement system where the fastening means through the lead-through opening dynamically prevents vertical lifting while allowing horizontal movement, significantly improving resistance to lifting forces.
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 design allows the platform to absorb and neutralize horizontal movements of the driveway, preventing the platform from being raised or lifted by wind or truck forces, ensuring stability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the lower side of the supporting part lower part and/or the upper side of the foot upper part, and/or the lower side of the cover part and/or the upper side of the supporting part lower part are provided with a Teflon layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Loading platform with a support for a supporting structure for the platform, comprising a foot with a foot upper part and a supporting part with a supporting part lower part, whereby the supporting part lower part is provided onto the foot upper part, with on the upper side of the supporting part lower part a cover part, with in the cover part, supporting part lower part, and foot upper part a lead-through opening with a fastening means through it, whereby the lower side of the cover part, the upper side and the lower side of the supporting part lower part, and the upper side of the foot upper part are flat shaped, such that the supporting part lower part is slidable with respect to the cover part and the foot upper part, with the diameter of the lead-through opening in the supporting part lower part being substantially larger than the diameter of the lead-through opening in the foot upper part, such, that the fastening means limits the path of movement of the supporting part lower part relative to the foot upper part.