Top-lock connector for floating docks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current connecting means for floating dock members are difficult to assemble from the topside, lack a failure point to absorb impact, and expose fastening components to water, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A top-lock connector system that is expandable, allowing assembly from the topside, featuring a two-part design with frusto-conical shapes and slotted cylinders to absorb impact by breaking rather than the dock members, and isolating fastening components from water exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional connecting means are used for floating docks, then the connection can be made securely, but the assembly process cannot be accomplished entirely from the topside of the docks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly accessibilityVSAvoidconnector design

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed to be inserted from the topside of the dock rather than from the bottom. The expansion mechanism activates upward against the underside of the dock member, inverting the traditional insertion direction and allowing assembly from the topside only

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is divided into two separate halves that are inserted into the dock member from opposite sides, then joined together through a threading mechanism. This segmentation allows the connector to be assembled from the topside while maintaining secure connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the connector is designed to be strong and durable, then it can withstand turbulence and collision impacts, but there is no failure point so that a portion of the docking member breaks rather than the connector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoiddock member damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed as a sacrificial component with intentional failure points that will break before the dock members under excessive impact. The connector serves as a protective element that can be replaced rather than allowing damage to the more expensive and permanent dock structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector incorporates energy-absorbing features and controlled failure points that activate before the dock members are damaged. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the connector absorbs impact energy and fails in a controlled manner to protect the dock structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the fastening means are exposed to the external environment, then the connector can be assembled and disassembled easily, but the fastening means experience continued exposure to water

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidfastening component durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening components are nested within the hollow body of the connector, which is inserted into the dock member. This nesting protects the fastening means from water exposure while allowing assembly from the topside, as the threaded rod extends through the connector body to engage the dock member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8608407B1Top-lock connector for a floating dock

Publication Date: 2013.12.17 HYDROHOIST LLC

AI summary

A connector for connecting together two floating dock sections includes a first half having a pair of slotted cylinders and a second half with a pair of cones. A pair of rods connects the first half to the second half. When the two halves are loosely connected together, the connector is inserted into opposing receiver sockets of a pair of opposing floating dock members. A flange located at an upper end of the first half arrests the downward travel of the inserted and loosely connected first and second halves. As the rods are tightened, the pair of cones travel toward the pair of slotted cylinders and cause the slotted cylinders to expand radially outward.