Modular inflatable dock shelter – walk-in gate seal
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+31 (0)316-250830
Buitink TechnologyAt gates where a truck reverses up to the building and an operator loads next to the vehicle, the hall is often wide open to cold, wind and rain. A conventional dock shelter only seals the rear of a trailer. That is why we developed a modular inflatable dock shelter: a walk-in portal whose inflatable cushions seal all around the vehicle, while the operator stands inside, dry and out of the draught.
It is a product concept that we engineer to size for each gate, based on the inflatable seals we have applied in other projects for years.
How it works
- The truck reverses into the portal. The cushions are folded back into their frames, so the full opening is clear.
- At the push of a button the double cushions unfold like a harmonica onto the sides and roof of the vehicle. They follow its contour, also when the truck stands at an angle or off-centre.
- Loading in the shelter of the portal. The hall is closed off from outside air and draught; the operator works next to the vehicle, under a roof.
- OPEN: the blower extracts the air, the cushions fold back into their frames and the truck drives off.
Inflatable is also forgiving: if the portal is hit, it gives way, where a mechanical solution would bend.
Modular construction
The portal consists of a galvanised tube frame with two side cages and a top beam, built from standard modules. This makes it easy to adapt the size to the gate and the vehicles. Each frame holds two cushions one behind the other, with a hard-wearing cover on the vehicle side.
- Delivered in pre-assembled sections, anchored on site
- Blower for inflating and extracting, with simple controls (OPEN / CLOSE)
- 230 volt connection
- Self-supporting; the enclosure or hall it connects to can be existing or new
Tested at full scale
In our workshop in Duiven (the Netherlands) we built a real cushion element in a tube frame and tested it against the side of a car. The element pushes out, seals against the body and follows its shape; the blower then pulls it fully back into the frame. The video above shows one complete cycle.
Applications
- Loading gates for refuse and container trucks
- Gates where loading takes place beside or behind the vehicle
- Halls where draught, cold or rain at the gate are a problem
For a first proposal we would like to receive, per gate, the dimensions of the opening, photos of the situation and the dimensions of the vehicles. Looking for an inflatable portal that a trailer docks against? See our inflatable dock shelter.
Questions? Email [email protected] or use the contact form.
FAQs
Does the portal fit different trucks?
Yes. The cushions follow the contour of the vehicle and absorb differences in width, height and position, also when the truck stands at an angle or off-centre. We match the dimensions of each gate to the vehicles that use it.
What happens if a truck hits the portal?
The inflatable cushions give way and spring back. That makes the solution far more forgiving than a mechanical structure that bends in a collision.
What is needed on site?
A level, load-bearing surface or foundation for the anchors, a 230 volt socket next to the blower and, if required, an enclosure between portal and hall. We agree the exact requirements per project.
Is this a standard product?
It is a product concept that we engineer to size for each gate. We have tested the principle at full scale in our workshop.
Questions?
Do you have questions or want more information? Please feel free to contact us. Call us at +31 (0)316-250830. But even easier: fill out the contact form below directly. We will contact you as soon as possible!
