Stabilizer pad and assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizer pads for heavy construction equipment are difficult to transport, lack ergonomic features, and suffer from deflection during use, which compromises their load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic stabilizer pad assembly with modular components that can be nested together for easier transportation and assembly, featuring an ergonomic handle arrangement and an auxiliary component that compensates for deflection, allowing for improved load distribution and handling of heavy pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stabilizer pads are made heavy (over 50 pounds) to provide sufficient load-bearing capacity and ground protection, then the pad can support heavy equipment loads, but the pad becomes difficult to transport and may topple over during rolling transport
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer pad is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be separated for transport. Each segment maintains sufficient structural integrity for its intended use while being light enough to handle easily. The segments can be reassembled on-site to form the complete stabilizer pad configuration needed for the equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer pad components are designed to nest within each other during transport, with smaller sections fitting inside larger ones. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall transport footprint and allows heavy-duty pads to be broken down into manageable pieces that can be rolled or carried more easily while maintaining full load-bearing capacity when assembled.
2Ease of manufacture
If rope handles are used for transporting stabilizer pads, then the handles provide simple construction and initial ease of use, but the rope integrity deteriorates over repeated use and eventually breaks apart
Solution Approach 1:
The handle system uses composite construction combining metal cable elements with reinforced polymer components. The metal cable provides tensile strength and durability, while the polymer components provide structural support and attachment points. This composite approach maintains the simplicity of attachment while dramatically improving resistance to wear and breakage over repeated use.
3Device complexity
If cable handles are positioned along the perimeter edge of the pad, then the handles are integrated into the pad structure, but the small clearance (0-3/4 inches) with the ground surface makes it difficult for users to position their hands around the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The handle design incorporates vertical elevation or protrusion from the pad surface, creating additional dimensional space between the user's hand and the ground. Instead of flat perimeter handles, the design uses raised handle structures that extend upward, providing sufficient clearance for hand positioning while maintaining structural integration with the pad body.
4Strength
If the size of the stabilizer pad is increased to account for deflection during use, then the pad can maintain load-bearing capacity despite deflection, but the weight of the pad increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pad design modifies material parameters and structural geometry to reduce deflection rather than compensating for it by increasing size. This includes using higher modulus materials, optimizing thickness distribution, and incorporating structural reinforcements in critical areas. These parameter changes allow the pad to maintain adequate load-bearing capacity with reduced overall dimensions and weight.
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomic stabilizer pad and ergonomic assembly that stabilizes equipment—e.g., cranes or vehicles with outriggers—during use as well as protects the ground surface on which the equipment is placed. The stabilizer pad includes a notch element dedicated for attaching a lanyard for transporting the stabilizer pad. The notch element is formed inward from the side wall surface toward the center of the pad component. The invention eases lifting tasks associated with transporting and positioning stabilizer pads and may reduce the incidence of user injuries. According to the invention, any size pad, even large sizes with a large weight, can be easily handled.