Truck Loading Buffer Device with Segmented Spring Clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buffer devices for truck loading stations have limited buffering effect and short service life due to material abrasion, and their design restricts the width of the spring clip arrangement, preventing it from being placed next to the loading opening.
Innovation Solution
The buffer device features a spring clip arrangement with a wider intermediate section that extends beyond the bearing and tongue sections, allowing it to be positioned next to the loading opening, and includes a securing element to limit sliding distance and prevent damage, made from a metal plate for improved force absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a narrow spring clip arrangement is used to fit within the bearing section, then the device complexity is reduced, but the buffering effect is limited and cannot reach the loading opening edge
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip arrangement is divided into three distinct sections along its longitudinal axis: a bearing section with reduced width for mounting, an intermediate section with increased width for enhanced buffering, and a tongue section with reduced width for securing. This segmentation allows each section to serve its specific function optimally while the entire arrangement can be mounted within the constraints of the bearing section.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip arrangement extends in the width direction beyond the bearing section boundaries during its buffering action. The intermediate section protrudes laterally to reach the loading opening edge, utilizing the width dimension to provide extended protection while still being mounted within the original bearing section footprint.
2Length of moving object
If a wider spring clip arrangement is used to enhance buffering effect, then the buffering effect is improved, but it cannot be positioned next to the loading opening due to bearing section constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip arrangement is divided into three distinct sections along its longitudinal axis: a bearing section with reduced width for mounting, an intermediate section with increased width for enhanced buffering, and a tongue section with reduced width for securing. This segmentation allows each section to serve its specific function optimally while the entire arrangement can be mounted within the constraints of the bearing section.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip arrangement extends in the width direction beyond the bearing section boundaries during its buffering action. The intermediate section protrudes laterally to reach the loading opening edge, utilizing the width dimension to provide extended protection while still being mounted within the original bearing section footprint.
3Strength
If elastic material with cavities is used for buffering, then the buffering effect is improved, but material abrasion occurs limiting service life
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer device transitions from using elastic material to using a metal spring clip arrangement. This changes the material parameter from elastomer to steel, fundamentally altering the buffering mechanism from elastic deformation to spring steel deflection and sliding, which provides superior durability and resistance to abrasion while maintaining buffering effectiveness.
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
This design enhances the buffering effect, extends the service life, reduces material and weight, and allows for adjustable buffering, ensuring effective protection with minimal maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
for absorbing energy when it comes into contact with a truck rear that drives backwards onto the truck loading station
Implementation Method 2
mounted in a bearing section so that it can be deflected about a pivot axis of a pivot bearing oriented parallel to the width axis
Implementation Method 3
the spring clip arrangement being in the region of a second end spaced apart from the first end along the bearing axis end with a support surface on the front side of the carrier plate, in order to slide along a sliding path on the carrier plate along the longitudinal axis in the event of elastic deformation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a buffer device (1) for mounting in the area of a truck loading station comprising a loading opening, in particular a loading ramp (20), for energy absorption upon contact with a truck rear driving backwards towards the truck loading station, comprising at least one spring bracket arrangement (8) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and a lateral axis (B) oriented perpendicular thereto, having at least one spring bracket, which is deflectably mounted in a bearing section (7) in the area of a first end about a pivot axis (4) of a pivot bearing (5) oriented parallel to the lateral axis (B) and is attached to a front side (3) of two side edges (16) spaced apart from each other along the lateral axis (B), preferably parallel;17) comprising support plate (2), wherein the pivot bearing (5) has two force-bearing elements (6) spaced apart along the width axis (B) by a bearing distance (A), between which the bearing section (7) is received and which preferably carry a bearing bolt (9) defining the pivot axis (4), wherein the spring clip assembly (8) is supported in the region of a second end spaced apart from the first end along the longitudinal axis (L) with a support surface on the front (3) of the support plate (2) in order to slide on the support plate (2) along a sliding path (S) in the event of elastic deformation along the longitudinal axis (L), and wherein the spring clip assembly (8) is secured in the region of the second end by a locking element (11), preferably bow-shaped, which defines a receiving opening for a tongue section (10) of the spring clip assembly (8), against springing perpendicular to a support plate front surface extension.