Solar-powered mobile loading dock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile loading docks face issues with traction and safety due to slippery solid ramp surfaces, especially in inclement weather, and rely on cumbersome and hazardous electrical wiring for power.
Innovation Solution
A mobile loading dock with an open-grate surface for improved traction and a solar-powered hydraulic system that eliminates the need for external wiring, featuring a planar ramp member with an integrated dock leveler and safety barrier, powered by a solar panel and battery, allowing for enhanced mobility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a solid ramp surface is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but vehicle traction and safety deteriorate in inclement weather
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp surface uses an open-grate configuration instead of a solid surface, allowing snow, ice, and water to pass through to the ground below. This porous structure maintains structural integrity while eliminating the traction problems associated with solid surfaces that accumulate ice and snow.
2Reliability
If electrical wiring is used to power the loading dock, then the device can be powered reliably, but safety hazards and complexity increase due to loose cords in outdoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The loading dock powers itself using a solar panel mounted on the dock structure that converts sunlight to electrical energy. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external electrical wiring, cords, or connection to the building's electrical system, removing the safety hazards while providing reliable power in outdoor environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring system with a photovoltaic system. The solar panel converts light energy directly to electrical energy, substituting the need for physical electrical connections and wiring infrastructure.
3Reliability
If an open-grate surface is used, then vehicle traction and safety improve, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp surface is segmented into multiple grates or bars spaced apart to create the open-grate structure. This segmentation provides the traction benefits while using standard manufacturing techniques for creating spaced structural elements, balancing performance with manufacturability.
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 open-grate surface enhances vehicle traction and safety by allowing snow and ice to drain, while the solar-powered system provides reliable power without the risks of electrical wiring, improving operational safety and ease of use in outdoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel mounted to the frame, the solar panel being connected to a battery and a hydraulic pump to provide power for movement of the loading dock
Implementation Method 2
An upper ramp portion is adjacent the upper edge and substantially parallel to the ground and has an open-grate section to facilitate drainage of water through the open-grate section to the ground below
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile loading dock having a frame, a solar panel mounted to the frame and a planar ramp member. The frame including two opposing side rails and support beams, the support beams having a first end and a second end, the first end secured to one of the opposing side rails and the second end secured to the second opposing side rail. The solar panel is connected to a battery and a hydraulic pump to provide power for movement of the loading dock.