Gravity Drawbridge

Abstract

A gravity drawbridge is a moveable bridge that utilizes gravity and fluid transport to transition a bridge deck between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The gravity bridge includes a fulcrum, a first fluid reservoir, a second fluid reservoir and a fluid pump. The first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir are internally mounted within the bridge deck. The first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir are in fluid communication to each to transport a quantity of fluid between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir using the fluid pump. The bridge deck rotates about the fulcrum as the quantity of fluid is transported between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir to transition the bridge deck between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

Description

[0001]The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62 / 543,756 filed on Aug. 10, 2017.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to a bridge. More specifically, the present invention relates to a drawbridge that raises or lowers through the displacement of a fluid within a deck of the bridge.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Bridges and other similar civil structures enable users to cross large bodies of water or span physical obstacles to allow effective travel through the region. Since the development of wheeled vehicles, regulation over crossing bodies of water has become paramount as the travel distance is significantly reduced from circumnavigating the natural topography of the region. The ability to ensure the integrity of the bridge, control traffic across the bridge deck, and accommodate for tall vehicles passing under the bridge is made possible through the use of drawbridges. Drawbridges allows for tra...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The system reduces energy consumption and minimizes degradation by using fluid weight to operate the drawbridge, producing excess energy and lowering operational costs for municipalities.

Problems solved by technology

Due to heavy loads from the weight of the drawbridge, degradation will occur over time and result in failure of drawbridge components.

A high amount of energy is consumed from lifting the weight of the bridge deck, as a result a drawbridge has large battery and power requirements which can drain municipal and federal resources over time.

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