Swinging Roller Blind Loading Gate Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loading dock seal systems fail to achieve optimal sealing due to significant gaps between the roller blind device and the truck's box body, leading to unwanted air exchange, as the roller blind device is rigid and prone to damage during the pivoting movement of the aprons.

Innovation Solution

A loading dock device with a roller blind device arranged in a swinging manner behind the apron arrangement, allowing the aprons to pivot closer to the building wall without damaging the roller blind, which is motor-driven and reinforced with elastomer-coated fabrics, enabling gap-free coverage with the truck's roof contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the roller blind device is arranged rigidly in the front section, then the structure is simple and stable, but the aprons cannot pivot fully towards the building wall without damaging the roller blind device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting range of apronsVSAvoiddamage risk to roller blind device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The roller blind device is changed from a rigid arrangement to a dynamically adjustable one by suspending it from the ceiling area via chains or ropes, allowing it to swing freely during apron pivoting and return to its original position afterward. This dynamic configuration enables full apron pivoting without damage risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positional parameter of the roller blind device is changed from fixed to variable. By allowing the roller blind to swing in a defined range during apron pivoting and then return to its initial position, the system adapts to different operational states without permanent displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the roller blind device is arranged rigidly in the front section, then the installation is simple, but significant gaps remain between the roller blind device and the truck's box body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing accuracyVSAvoidsuspension mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller blind device uses a pendulum-like suspension system that allows it to swing forward when the apron pivots, enabling the blind to maintain contact with the truck's box body and eliminate sealing gaps. The dynamic movement ensures continuous sealing contact during the loading process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the aprons are allowed to pivot fully towards the building wall, then optimal sealing contact with the truck is achieved, but the rigid roller blind device would be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing contact qualityVSAvoidstructural integrity of roller blind device
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The roller blind device is suspended to allow dynamic movement during apron pivoting. When the apron moves toward the building wall, the roller blind swings forward accordingly, maintaining sealing contact without experiencing damaging forces. This dynamic adaptation protects the roller blind's structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension system provides inherent cushioning by allowing the roller blind to swing freely in response to apron movement. This prevents sudden impacts or excessive forces from being transmitted to the roller blind structure, protecting it from damage before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If the roller blind device is made swingable, then the aprons can pivot freely without damage, but the sealing effectiveness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of roller blind deviceVSAvoidsealing gap elimination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The roller blind device swings dynamically in coordination with apron movement, maintaining continuous contact with the truck's box body throughout the pivoting process. This ensures that sealing effectiveness is preserved while allowing free apron movement without damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 ensures improved sealing by allowing the aprons to pivot freely with the truck's box body, reducing air exchange and preventing damage to the roller blind device, resulting in a more effective sealing mechanism compared to prior art.

Implementation Method 1

The roller blind device is suspended in a pendulum manner from the porch in the ceiling area by chains, ropes or the like

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPendulum motion: Pendulum

Implementation Method 2

The roller blind device comprises a shaft, with the electric motor being accommodated in the shaft as a so-called tubular motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric motor rotation: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 3

The roller blind fabric is hereby advantageously coated with an elastomer by at least one reinforcement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastomer coating: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3473568B1Loading gate device
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 MENGEL HERBERT
  • EP3473568B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3473568B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3473568B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a loading gate device (1) with a projection (5) arranged on a building wall (3) with a loading gate seal (10), wherein the loading gate seal (10) comprises at least a pivotable skirt arrangement (11) arranged on the projection (5) and a roller shutter device (20), wherein the roller shutter device (20) is arranged pivotally on the projection (5) behind the skirt arrangement (11) in its pivoting range.