Foldable inflatable elevated bridge interval sound insulation curtain

Abstract

The invention discloses a foldable inflatable overhead bridge interval sound insulation curtain which abandons the thought of permanent fixation and implants foldable and movable genes into an overhead sound insulation barrier. The sound insulation barrier is not a fixed accessory of a bridge any more and becomes a dynamic function module which can be flexibly dispatched and managed according to operation requirements by switching between an inflation forming state and a deflation folding state and combining the systematic design of a sliding channel and a movable support. A traditional metal / acrylic plate is replaced by the inflatable flexible film structure, a rigid cavity formed after inflation is sufficient to resist wind load and guarantee stable form, but the dead weight of the rigid cavity is far lower than that of any traditional barrier material, and therefore the additional load on the viaduct structure is remarkably reduced; film materials integrated with various properties are selected, and multi-layer composite sound insulation, high light transmittance and weather resistance are considered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of rail transit operation, maintenance and noise control, specifically a foldable inflatable sound barrier curtain for elevated bridge sections. Background Technology

[0002] With the accelerating pace of urbanization, rail transit has experienced rapid development due to its advantages of high capacity and efficiency. Among these, elevated bridge sections are widely used because of their relatively low construction costs and flexible route planning. However, the noise generated by trains running on elevated bridges, such as wheel-rail friction and vehicle power system operation, propagates widely to the surrounding areas, causing noise pollution to nearby residential areas, schools, hospitals, and other noise-sensitive areas.

[0003] To address this issue, traditional sound barriers are commonly used on both sides of elevated bridge sections. These barriers are mostly constructed of rigid materials such as metal sound insulation panels and transparent PC panels, and are fixed in place by supporting structures. While this traditional approach provides some sound insulation, it has also revealed several inherent drawbacks in practical applications: 1. Fixed and immovable, impacting operational safety and emergency response: Rigidly installed sound barriers permanently occupy the space on both sides of the bridge, affecting not only the lighting and visibility of the bridge area, but also creating "wind barriers" or "snow loads" in severe weather conditions such as rain, snow, and strong winds, potentially affecting the structural safety of the bridge and the safety of train operation. Furthermore, when track equipment inspection, maintenance, or emergency response is required, fixed barriers severely obstruct working space and passageways, resulting in extremely poor flexibility.

[0004] 2. High self-weight and high load on bridge structure: Traditional sound barrier materials have high density and high overall weight. Their dead load is applied to the edge structure of the elevated bridge for a long time, which puts forward higher requirements for bridge structural design and long-term durability, and increases the construction cost of the bridge.

[0005] 3. Lack of flexibility and inability to adapt to dynamic management needs: The operation and management needs of rail transit are dynamic and change. For example, noise reduction is needed at night, while lighting and visibility may be more important during the day; temporary closures may be required for maintenance at certain times or in certain sections. Fixed barriers cannot achieve "on-demand activation" or "zoning adjustment," making it difficult to meet the refined and intelligent operation and management requirements of modern rail transit.

[0006] 4. Inconvenient storage and maintenance: Some simple sound barriers that attempt to use flexible materials often have problems such as insufficient sound insulation performance, poor structural stability, easy aging and damage, and are difficult to store compactly when not in use, occupying a lot of storage space.

[0007] Given the inherent defects of existing fixed sound barriers, the urgent need for a new generation of sound insulation technology is reflected in the following aspects: 1. The need for "dynamic sound insulation" and "active management" The acoustic environment requirements along rail transit lines are not static. For example, the noise reduction requirements are much higher at night than during the day; different sections of the line require different sound insulation strategies due to varying surrounding environments (such as proximity to residential areas or passing through parks). Therefore, technological development strongly demands a sound insulation system that can respond quickly and dynamically adjust based on time, location, and weather conditions. This requires a paradigm shift from "static existence" to "active management," making sound insulation facilities an intelligently dispatchable operational resource, rather than permanent fixed facilities.

[0008] 2. The need to "improve operational safety" and "reduce structural load" Safety is the lifeline of rail transit. Technological advancements require that sound barriers proactively mitigate risks rather than becoming new sources of danger. In the event of extreme weather conditions such as strong winds and blizzards, ideal sound barriers should be quickly deployed and closed to minimize the impact of extreme weather on operations and ensure train safety. Simultaneously, the devices themselves must be lightweight to minimize the load on existing elevated bridge structures and avoid costly bridge reinforcement projects to accommodate the sound barriers.

[0009] 3. Requirements for "Function Integration" and "Performance Optimization" Beyond its core sound insulation function, modern urban infrastructure increasingly seeks to integrate multiple functions. Technological advancements demand that soundproof curtains integrate more functions within limited spaces. For example, they should consider some light transmission in material selection to reduce feelings of confinement; utilize the properties of flexible film materials to achieve rapid inflation and deflation, seamlessly switching between "high-efficiency sound insulation" and "compact storage"; and achieve high-performance sound insulation, particularly for low-frequency noise that is difficult to isolate, through innovative multi-layered inflatable structures while maintaining lightweight construction.

[0010] 4. Addressing the need for "life-cycle economics" Technological advancements focus not only on initial construction costs but also on long-term economic viability. This necessitates new solutions that are easy to maintain, readily replaceable, and have a long service life. New sound insulation structures require modular designs to reduce the difficulty and cost of daily maintenance, cleaning, and bridge inspections, thereby demonstrating superior economic efficiency throughout the system's entire lifecycle.

[0011] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for an innovative sound insulation solution that not only has excellent sound insulation performance, but also overcomes the shortcomings of existing rigid barriers and achieves the core functions of being movable, retractable, and lightweight. This would significantly improve the operational safety, management flexibility, and economy of elevated rail transit sections while ensuring noise reduction. Summary of the Invention

[0012] To overcome the aforementioned problems, the inventors conducted in-depth research and designed a foldable inflatable sound barrier for elevated bridge sections. This solution abandons the "permanently fixed" approach, embedding the foldable and movable characteristics into the elevated sound barrier. Through the switching between "inflating and forming" and "deflating and folding" states, combined with the system design of sliding channels and movable supports, the sound barrier is no longer a fixed appendage of the bridge, but a dynamic functional module that can be flexibly scheduled and managed according to operational needs. An inflatable flexible membrane structure is used instead of traditional metal / acrylic plates. The rigid cavity formed after inflation is sufficient to withstand wind loads and ensure morphological stability, but its self-weight is far lower than any traditional barrier material, thus significantly reducing the additional load on the elevated bridge structure. Multiple membrane materials with integrated performance are selected, taking into account multi-layer composite sound insulation, high light transmittance, and weather resistance, thus completing this invention.

[0013] Specifically, the purpose of this invention is to provide a foldable inflatable sound barrier curtain for elevated bridge sections, including a curtain unit 1 and a steel support 2. The curtain unit 1 is a cavity structure formed by sealing and covering with a thin film. When the curtain unit 1 is filled with gas, the overall cavity structure of the curtain unit 1 is an arc shape with a predetermined width and thickness. When the gas in the curtain unit 1 is vented, the curtain unit 1 can be folded, thereby significantly reducing the width of the cavity structure; Multiple steel supports 2 are provided, all of which are arc-shaped; The steel brackets 2 are arranged on both sides of each curtain unit 1; the steel brackets 2 fix and support the arc shape of the curtain unit 1, and assist the curtain unit 1 in venting, folding or inflating.

[0014] The curtain unit 1 includes at least three thin films; The film is a high-strength, weather-resistant, weldable flexible film, selected from one or more of PTFE-coated fiberglass cloth, PVC-coated polyester cloth, and ETFE film.

[0015] The curtain unit 1 includes at least three layers of ETFE material film.

[0016] The arc-shaped curtain unit 1 and the steel support 2 both cover the top of the track system, and the curtain unit 1 and the steel support 2 are arranged along the track extension direction.

[0017] The curtain unit 1 is connected to an air inlet, and the air inlet is equipped with a valve and an air pump. The air pump controls the amount of air in the curtain unit 1, and the valve controls the opening and closing of the air inlet.

[0018] This also includes the sliding channel 5; At least two sliding channels 5 are provided, which are fixed to the concrete on both sides of the viaduct.

[0019] Among them, supports 3 are provided at the bottom of both ends of the steel bracket 2, and rollers 4 are installed on the supports 3; The roller 4 is embedded in the sliding channel 5.

[0020] The roller 4 can drive the steel support 2 to slide back and forth along the sliding channel 5, thereby controlling the curtain unit 1 to fold or inflate.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention include: (1) The foldable inflatable sound barrier curtain for elevated bridge sections provided by the present invention has extremely high operational flexibility and management convenience. It can quickly switch between the two states of "unfolding sound insulation" and "folding storage" by inflation / deflation. Combined with rollers and sliding channels, the barrier can be moved or folded up in a designated section according to actual needs such as noise reduction at night, lighting during the day, risk avoidance in severe weather, and line maintenance, thus completely solving the management dilemma of "one-size-fits-all" fixed barriers. (2) The foldable inflatable sound barrier curtain for elevated bridge sections provided by the present invention has excellent lightweight characteristics and safety. With lightweight flexible film material as the core, it greatly reduces the overall weight of the barrier and reduces the load on the elevated bridge structure. At the same time, in strong winds, heavy snow and other weather conditions, the barrier can be retracted in time to eliminate wind resistance and snow load, which greatly improves the safety of train operation. (3) The foldable inflatable sound insulation curtain for elevated bridge sections provided by the present invention has good sound insulation performance. The multi-layer inflatable film structure constitutes an ideal sound insulation system, which can effectively isolate the low-frequency noise generated by rail transit and has reliable performance. (4) The foldable inflatable sound barrier curtain for elevated bridge sections provided by the present invention has good economy and maintainability. The modular design makes it easy to replace and repair when there is local damage. The folded storage volume is small, which is convenient for transportation and storage, and effectively reduces the maintenance cost of the whole life cycle. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1This diagram illustrates the overall structure of the foldable inflatable soundproof curtain for elevated bridge sections provided by the present invention. Figure 2 This is a side view schematic diagram of the foldable inflatable sound barrier curtain for elevated bridge sections provided by the present invention. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of the rollers at the section of the foldable inflatable soundproof curtain for elevated bridge sections provided by the present invention. Figure 4 This diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a curtain unit of a foldable inflatable soundproof curtain for elevated bridge sections provided by the present invention. Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the steel support structure of the foldable inflatable soundproof curtain for elevated bridge sections provided by the present invention.

[0023] Figure Labels 1-Curtain unit; 2-Steel bracket; 3-Support; 4-Roller; 5-Sliding track Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Through these descriptions, the features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer and more apparent.

[0025] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration.” Any embodiment illustrated herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments. Although various aspects of embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0026] This invention provides a foldable inflatable soundproof curtain for elevated bridge sections. The soundproof curtain includes a curtain unit 1 and a steel support 2, as shown below. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown; The curtain unit 1 is a cavity structure formed by sealing and covering with a thin film. When the curtain unit 1 is filled with gas, the cavity structure of the curtain unit 1 is an arc shape with a predetermined width and thickness. The curtain unit 1 covers the two tracks to block the noise generated when the train passes. When the gas in the curtain unit 1 is vented, the curtain unit 1 can be folded, thereby significantly reducing the width of the cavity structure; in this application, the direction of the width is consistent with the extension direction of the rail.

[0027] The steel support 2 is provided in multiple forms, all of which are arc-shaped, such as... Figure 5 As shown; The steel supports 2 are arranged on both sides of each curtain unit 1. The steel supports 2 fix and support the arc-shaped shape of the curtain unit 1, and also assist the curtain unit 1 in folding or unfolding by air pressure. Connecting structures are provided on the outer sides of both ends of the curtain unit 1 to fix the curtain unit 1 to the steel supports 2, so that the curtain unit 1 can be pulled open or compressed and folded when the steel supports 2 are moved back and forth along the direction of the steel rail.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the curtain unit 1 comprises at least three thin films; The film is a high-strength, weather-resistant, weldable flexible film, selected from one or more of PTFE-coated fiberglass cloth, PVC-coated polyester cloth, and ETFE film.

[0029] Preferably, the curtain unit 1 comprises at least three layers of ETFE material film.

[0030] ETFE material, or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, is used to form the outer skin of this curtain unit. Due to its extremely high mechanical strength, excellent weather resistance, superior self-cleaning properties, high light transmittance, and flame retardancy, it is very suitable for the application scenarios described in this application. Alternatively, high-strength PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) coated fiberglass cloth or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) coated polyester cloth can also be used.

[0031] In this application, the selected film material is cut into a predetermined shape according to the design dimensions, and the edges of three or more layers of film are welded together by high-frequency heat sealing or hot air welding process to form an internally containing multiple independent sealed units; the welding must ensure extremely high airtightness.

[0032] An air inflator is pre-embedded or welded at an appropriate position in the curtain unit 1, and a valve is installed on the air inflator. Furthermore, an air pump is connected to the air inflator. The air pump controls the amount of air in the curtain unit 1, and the valve controls the opening and closing of the air inflator.

[0033] Preferably, a connection interface, such as a rigging connection ring or a special clamp interface, is reserved on the curtain unit 1 for connection with the steel support.

[0034] In this application, the arc-shaped curtain unit 1 and the steel support 2 both cover the top of the track system, and the curtain unit 1 and the steel support 2 are arranged along the extension direction of the track. The curtain unit 1 and the steel support 2 are modular designs. Multiple curtain units 1 and steel supports are set on an elevated bridge, and maintenance and replacement work can be carried out on some of the curtain units 1 according to actual needs.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the soundproof curtain further includes sliding channels 5; at least two sliding channels 5 are provided, respectively fixed to the concrete on both sides of the viaduct. Specifically, the sliding channels 5 can be firmly fixed to the concrete by means of expansion bolts, pre-embedded angle irons, pre-embedded reinforcing bars, etc.

[0036] Preferably, the sliding track is made of high-strength aluminum alloy or cold-formed steel profile, and the profile cross-section is designed as a C-shaped or U-shaped groove. The internal dimensions must be precisely matched with the roller 3 to ensure accurate guidance and prevent derailment. More preferably, the sliding track is also equipped with an anti-derailment structure to ensure that the steel support will not detach from above.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, supports 3 are provided at the bottom of both ends of the steel bracket 2, and rollers 4 are installed on the supports 3. The roller 4 is embedded in the sliding channel 5.

[0038] The rollers are made of heavy-duty nylon or rubber-coated steel, with rolling bearings built into the wheel core to ensure smooth and low-noise rolling within the sliding channel; the rollers are securely connected to the bottom of the support via axle pins.

[0039] The roller 4 can drive the steel bracket 2 to slide back and forth along the sliding channel 5, thereby controlling the curtain unit 1 to fold or inflate.

[0040] In this application, the steel supports and brackets are all made of Q235 or Q345 steel and manufactured through cutting and welding processes. The brackets can be designed as wedges or rectangles, and internal stiffening ribs are welded to ensure their structural stability. The surfaces of the steel supports and brackets need to be hot-dip galvanized or coated with anti-corrosion paint to withstand harsh outdoor environments.

[0041] The on-site installation and commissioning of the foldable inflatable sound barrier for elevated bridge sections described in this application includes the following process: Step 1, fixing the sliding channel 5: First, precise measurements and layout are carried out on the crash barriers or the predetermined installation locations on both sides of the elevated rail transit bridge section; Then, using high-strength chemical anchors or pre-embedded steel plates, the sliding channel 5 is firmly installed horizontally and straight on the concrete structure along the longitudinal direction of the bridge; after installation, its straightness and levelness need to be checked. Step 2, Assembly of the soundproof curtain system: First, the support 3 and the steel bracket 2 are pre-assembled on the ground; Then, the foldable inflatable soundproof curtain 1 is suspended or fixed to the steel bracket 2 through its connection interface in the deflated and folded state. Finally, the assembled unit is hoisted above the sliding channel 4, so that the rollers 4 at the bottom of the support 3 fall precisely into the sliding channel 5.

[0042] Step 3, Inflation and System Adjustment: An air pump is connected to the inflation nozzle. This air pump can be a mobile or stationary air compressor and can optionally be equipped with an air tank and a dryer. Slowly fill the curtain unit 1 with dry air or nitrogen until it is fully expanded and formed, and the internal pressure reaches the design value, for example, a gauge pressure of 0.1-0.5 kPa. A pressure gauge can be connected for further monitoring and control. At this point, the curtain unit 1 should exhibit the designed flatness and rigidity.

[0043] Step 4: Inspect the entire system to ensure that there are no local bulges or twists in the curtain unit 1; check the airtightness and firmness of each connection point; manually push the curtain unit 1 and the steel support 2 to test whether they move smoothly in the sliding channel 5.

[0044] The foldable inflatable sound barrier curtain for elevated bridge sections described in this application has multiple working states during its application on elevated railway bridges: Sound insulation operation status: When a train needs to pass or noise reduction is required, the curtain unit is moved along the sliding track 5 to the designated working position, and then the curtain unit is inflated to expand and form an effective sound barrier.

[0045] Retractable and movable state: In case of severe weather such as strong winds or blizzards, or when line inspections or equipment maintenance are required, the gas inside the curtain unit 1 is first safely released through valves, softening and folding it. Then, the entire system can be easily moved along the sliding channel 5 to the storage area at one end of the bridge or completely removed from the working area by manual or simple mechanical traction. This completely eliminates the risks of wind and snow loads, providing ample space for operation and maintenance.

[0046] Daily management: The operating unit can adjust the position and activation status of the soundproof curtains in each section according to the actual needs of noise management, such as strictly implementing noise reduction at night and appropriately relaxing it during the day, just like "drawing the curtains", so as to achieve refined and intelligent operation and management.

[0047] The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments; however, these embodiments are merely exemplary and illustrative. Various substitutions and modifications can be made to the present invention based on these embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A foldable inflatable soundproof curtain for elevated bridge sections, characterized in that, Includes curtain unit (1) and steel support frame (2); The curtain unit (1) is a cavity structure formed by sealing and covering with a thin film. When the curtain unit (1) is filled with gas, the cavity structure of the curtain unit (1) is an arc shape with a predetermined width and thickness. When the gas in the curtain unit (1) is vented, the curtain unit (1) can be folded, thereby greatly reducing the width of the cavity structure; The steel bracket (2) is provided in multiple forms, all of which are arc-shaped; The steel brackets (2) are arranged on both sides of each curtain unit (1); the steel brackets (2) fix and support the arc shape of the curtain unit (1), and the steel brackets (2) assist the curtain unit (1) in venting, folding or inflating.

2. The foldable inflatable sound barrier curtain for elevated bridge sections according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curtain unit (1) comprises at least three thin films; The film is a high-strength, weather-resistant, weldable flexible film, selected from one or more of PTFE-coated fiberglass cloth, PVC-coated polyester cloth, and ETFE film.

3. The foldable inflatable sound barrier curtain for elevated bridge sections according to claim 2, characterized in that, The curtain unit (1) includes at least three layers of ETFE material film.

4. The foldable inflatable sound barrier curtain for elevated bridge sections according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-shaped curtain unit (1) and the steel support (2) cover the top of the track system, and the curtain unit (1) and the steel support (2) are arranged along the track extension direction.

5. The foldable inflatable sound barrier curtain for elevated bridge sections according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curtain unit (1) is connected to an air inlet, and a valve and an air pump are provided on the air inlet. The air pump controls the amount of air in the curtain unit (1), and the valve controls the opening and closing of the air inlet.

6. The foldable inflatable sound barrier curtain for elevated bridge sections according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a sliding channel (5); At least two sliding channels (5) are provided, which are fixed to the concrete on both sides of the viaduct.

7. The foldable inflatable sound barrier curtain for elevated bridge sections according to claim 6, characterized in that, Supports (3) are provided at the bottom of both ends of the steel bracket (2), and rollers (4) are installed on the supports (3). The roller (4) is embedded in the sliding channel (5).

8. The foldable inflatable sound barrier curtain for elevated bridge sections according to claim 7, characterized in that, The roller (4) can drive the steel bracket (2) to slide back and forth along the sliding channel (5), thereby controlling the curtain unit (1) to vent and fold or inflate and unfold.

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