Trailer Bumper Block Assembly with Spring-Mounted Fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rubber bumper blocks for trailers wear out quickly due to repeated impact and vertical friction when backing into docks, necessitating frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A bumper block assembly featuring a compressible bumper block with an outer cap and spring mechanism that absorbs impact and reduces friction, including a frame to guide movement and maintain fastener position, enhancing wear resistance and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rubber bumper blocks are used for trailer bumpers, then the bumper blocks can absorb impact when backing into docks, but they wear out quickly due to repeated impact and vertical friction, necessitating frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper block is divided into multiple segments or layers with different material properties. The outer layer uses wear-resistant material to resist vertical friction from dock contact, while the inner layer uses softer, more compliant material to absorb impact forces. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between impact absorption and wear resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper block employs composite materials combining different polymers or material types with complementary properties. One material provides high elasticity for impact absorption, while another provides low friction and high wear resistance for vertical rubbing contact. The composite structure integrates these materials to achieve both functions simultaneously, extending service life while maintaining impact absorption capability.
2Strength
If the bumper block is made softer to improve impact absorption, then impact protection is enhanced, but the bumper block wears out faster due to increased friction and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the bumper block have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The outer surface layer has low friction and high wear resistance to minimize vertical rubbing wear, while the inner core has high elasticity and compliance for optimal shock absorption. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction by ensuring each region performs its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper block structure acts as an intermediary between the hard dock and the trailer bumper. The wear-resistant outer layer serves as a mediator that protects the softer inner shock-absorbing material from direct contact with the dock, reducing vertical friction wear while allowing the inner material to perform its shock absorption function effectively.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the bumper block is made harder to resist wear, then durability is improved, but the impact absorption capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper block is segmented into functional zones: an outer wear-resistant layer that contacts the dock and resists vertical friction, and an inner shock-absorbing layer that deforms to absorb impact energy. This segmentation allows the hard outer layer to provide durability while the softer inner layer maintains impact absorption capability, resolving the contradiction between wear resistance and shock absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper block uses composite material construction where a hard, wear-resistant polymer or coating is combined with a softer, more compliant polymer matrix. The hard phase provides durability and resistance to vertical rubbing wear, while the soft phase provides elasticity for impact absorption. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with opposing properties in a synergistic structure.
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 extends the lifespan of bumper blocks by reducing wear and tear, absorbing impact effectively, and maintaining fastener position, thus reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a spring of the assembly is positioned around an end portion of the fastener in order to maintain the fastener recessed within the aperture of the outer cap as the outer cap and bumper block are moved between expanded and compressed positions
Implementation Method 2
a compressible bumper block or spring assembly configured to be coupled to the bumper of the trailer
Implementation Method 3
The bumper blocks must operate to absorb the impact of the vehicle backing into the dock
Data Source
AI summary
A bumper block assembly configured to be coupled to a bumper of a trailer includes a compressible bumper block including a generally horizontal bore extending from an outer surface of the bumper block to an inner surface of the bumper block and an outer cap coupled to the bumper block. The outer cap includes an outer wall engaged with the outer surface of the bumper block and further includes an aperture formed therethrough that is aligned with the bore of the bumper block. A bolt of the bumper block assembly is received through the aperture of the outer cap and the bore of the bumper block in order to couple the bumper block assembly to the bumper of the trailer. A spring of the assembly is positioned around a threaded end portion of the bolt in order to maintain the bolt recessed within the aperture of the outer cap as the outer cap and bumper block are moved between expanded and compressed positions.