Observation device and observation method for bottom of overpass
By designing a bridge observation device that includes clamping, lifting, and recording equipment, the problem of inconvenient observation and maintenance at the bottom of bridges has been solved, and safety and efficiency have been improved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing bridge inspection equipment is not convenient for extending under the bridge for observation and maintenance, and the operation of workers in the suspended basket is dangerous and inconvenient to move.
An observation device was designed, comprising a clamping mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a camera, a display screen, and a controller. The clamping mechanism is used to fix the device to the side wall of the bridge, and the lifting mechanism drives the camera to descend to the bottom of the bridge to take pictures. The recorded content is displayed in real time on the display screen.
This reduces the safety risks for staff when observing and maintaining under the bridge, and improves the convenience and efficiency of maintenance work.
Smart Images

Figure CN121664951A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of bridge inspection technology, and in particular to an observation device and method for the underside of an overpass. Background Technology
[0002] An overpass is a bridge built at the intersection of two roads, spanning across another road. Its main purpose is to ensure that traffic flow at the intersection is not affected by traffic lights and to avoid traffic congestion caused by waiting for cars. It can also be a dedicated overpass for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles.
[0003] Overpass inspection is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of urban traffic facilities. It mainly involves assessing the load-bearing capacity and durability of bridges through structural inspections and load tests. At the same time, it is necessary to regularly observe the underside of overpasses and carry out maintenance when necessary to ensure the quality of the bridges. However, existing bridge inspection devices are not convenient to extend under the bridge. When observing and maintaining the bottom of the bridge, a suspended platform is required, which poses a danger to workers and is not very convenient to move. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an observation device and method for observing under overpasses, thereby addressing the shortcomings in the aforementioned background technology.
[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is: an observation device under an overpass, comprising a clamping mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a camera, a display screen, and a controller. The lifting mechanism and the display screen are located on opposite sides of the clamping mechanism. The actuator of the lifting mechanism is connected to the camera to lift the camera. The display screen is connected to the camera to display the recorded content. The controller is electrically connected to the clamping mechanism, the lifting mechanism, and the camera to regulate the operating status of the observation device.
[0006] Preferably, the clamping mechanism includes a first U-shaped seat, a movable clamping plate, and a first telescopic device. The opening of the first U-shaped seat faces downward. The movable clamping plate is disposed inside the first U-shaped seat and is connected to one side plate of the first U-shaped seat through the first telescopic device. The first telescopic device is controlled by the control mechanism to change the distance between the movable clamping plate and the other side plate of the first U-shaped seat.
[0007] Preferably, a roller is rotatably connected to the inner side of the first U-shaped seat, the roller being located above the movable clamping plate, and its axis of rotation being perpendicular to the movable clamping plate.
[0008] Preferably, the top of the first U-shaped base is provided with a moving handle and an energy storage battery, the energy storage battery providing power to the observation device.
[0009] Preferably, the lifting mechanism includes a fixed sleeve, a servo motor, a transmission screw, and a transmission seat. The transmission screw is rotatably disposed in the fixed sleeve, and one end of it is connected to the actuation end of the servo motor. The top end of the transmission seat extends into the fixed sleeve and is threaded to the transmission screw. The camera is disposed at the bottom end of the transmission seat.
[0010] Preferably, the transmission seat and the fixed sleeve are in sliding engagement, and the contact surface of their sidewalls is at least partially planar.
[0011] Preferably, the bottom end of the transmission seat is provided with a second U-shaped seat, the opening of the second U-shaped seat extends laterally, and a second telescopic device connected to the controller is provided inside. The camera is located at the execution end of the second telescopic device and can be moved laterally by the drive of the second telescopic device.
[0012] The technical solution of the present invention also includes: a method for observation using the above-mentioned observation device under the overpass, which includes the following steps:
[0013] The clamping mechanism is mounted across the side wall of the overpass, so that the inner wall of the clamping mechanism is pressed against the side wall of the overpass.
[0014] A servo motor is used to drive the transmission screw to rotate, causing the transmission seat to move along the fixed sleeve until the second U-shaped seat is lower than the bottom of the overpass.
[0015] Using a second telescopic device, the camera is gradually extended from the outside of the overpass to the middle, filming the structure under the bridge and transmitting the footage back to the display screen.
[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention include: This device allows workers to inspect the structural damage under overpasses without spending extended periods in suspended platforms or similar structures. Instead, repairs are carried out only at the necessary locations on the bridge using conventional maintenance procedures and construction standards, significantly reducing the safety risks of maintenance work. Furthermore, compared to suspended platforms or similar devices, this device is easier to move, improving the efficiency of maintenance operations. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention from a first perspective;
[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the lifting mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] In the picture:
[0021] 1. Clamping mechanism; 1.1. First U-shaped seat; 1.2. Movable clamping plate; 1.3. First telescopic device;
[0022] 2. Lifting mechanism; 2.1. Fixed sleeve; 2.2. Servo motor; 2.3. Transmission screw; 2.4. Transmission base;
[0023] 3. Camera;
[0024] 4. Display screen;
[0025] 5. Controller;
[0026] 6. Energy storage battery;
[0027] 7. Rollers;
[0028] 8. Move the handle;
[0029] 9. Second U-shaped seat;
[0030] 10. Second expansion joint. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0032] In the description of the embodiments of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "top," "bottom," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. In the description of this invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can refer to the internal communication of two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention through specific circumstances.
[0033] Reference Appendix Figure 1-3 This invention provides an observation device for underpasses, comprising: a clamping mechanism 1, a lifting mechanism 2, a camera 3, a display screen 4, a controller 5, and a storage battery 6. The lifting mechanism 2 and the display screen 4 are located on opposite sides of the clamping mechanism 1. The actuator of the lifting mechanism 2 is connected to the camera 3 to lift the camera 3. The display screen 4 is connected to the camera 3 to display the recorded content. The controller 5 is electrically connected to the clamping mechanism 1, the lifting mechanism 2, and the camera 3 to regulate the operating status of the observation device. The storage battery 6 provides power to the electrical components in this observation device.
[0034] When using the above-mentioned device to observe the structure under the overpass, the clamping mechanism 1 can be fixed to the side wall of the overpass, so that the display screen 4 is located inside the overpass and the lifting mechanism 2 is located outside the overpass. The lifting mechanism 2 is used to lower the camera 3 to the bottom of the overpass, and the camera 3 records the structural condition of the underpass. The recorded content is then transmitted back to the display screen 4. Thus, the staff can stand on the overpass and observe the structural damage of the underpass in real time.
[0035] The aforementioned device allows workers to inspect the structural damage under overpasses without spending extended periods in suspended platforms or similar structures. Instead, repairs are carried out only at the necessary locations using standard maintenance procedures and construction specifications, significantly reducing safety risks during inspections. Furthermore, compared to suspended platforms, this device is more mobile, improving the efficiency of inspection work.
[0036] Reference Appendix Figure 2 The clamping mechanism 1 includes a first U-shaped seat 1.1, a movable clamping plate 1.2, and a first telescopic device 1.3. The opening of the first U-shaped seat 1.1 faces downward. The movable clamping plate 1.2 is located inside the first U-shaped seat 1.1 and is connected to one side plate of the first U-shaped seat 1.1 through the first telescopic device 1.3. The first telescopic device 1.3 is controlled by a control mechanism to change the distance between the movable clamping plate 1.2 and the other side plate of the first U-shaped seat 1.1.
[0037] In use, first use the first expansion joint 1.3 to adjust the position of the movable clamp 1.2 so that it is closer to the side plate of the first U-shaped seat 1.1 connected to the first expansion joint 1.3. Then, the first U-shaped seat 1.1 is straddling the side wall of the overpass so that the side wall of the overpass is located between the movable clamp 1.2 and the other side plate of the first U-shaped seat 1.1. Then, use the first expansion joint 1.3 to adjust the position of the movable clamp 1.2 so that the movable clamp 1.2 and the other side plate of the first U-shaped seat 1.1 are respectively pressed against the side wall of the overpass, thus completing the installation and fixing process of this device.
[0038] Furthermore, a roller 7 is rotatably connected to the inner side of the first U-shaped seat 1.1. The roller 7 is located above the movable clamping plate 1.2, and its axis of rotation is perpendicular to the movable clamping plate 1.2. When the movable clamping plate 1.2 is away from the side wall of the overpass, this device can move along the length of the side wall of the overpass without having to remove it from the side wall of the overpass and then reinstall it. The roller 7 can reduce the frictional resistance between the first U-shaped seat 1.1 and the side wall of the overpass, and improve the smoothness of movement of the first U-shaped seat 1.1.
[0039] Typically, guardrails are installed at the top of the side walls of overpasses. Therefore, under normal circumstances, roller 7 is in contact with the top surface of the guardrail. Compared to directly contacting the concrete at the top surface of the side walls of overpasses, the sliding of the first U-shaped seat 1.1 is smoother in actual construction conditions.
[0040] To facilitate installation, dismantling, and relocation of the device, this embodiment provides a relocation handle 8 on the top of the first U-shaped base 1.1. To improve the structural compactness of the device and reduce space occupation, the energy storage battery 6 can also be installed on the top of the first U-shaped base 1.1.
[0041] Reference Appendix Figure 3 The lifting mechanism 2 includes a fixed sleeve 2.1, a servo motor 2.2, a transmission screw 2.3, and a transmission seat 2.4. The fixed sleeve 2.1 is hollow inside and open at the bottom. The upper outer wall of the fixed sleeve 2.1 is connected to the side plate of the first U-shaped seat 1.1. The servo motor 2.2 is located at the top of the fixed sleeve 2.1. The transmission screw 2.3 is rotatably mounted in the fixed sleeve 2.1, and one end of it is connected to the execution end of the servo motor 2.2. The top of the transmission seat 2.4 extends into the fixed sleeve 2.1 and is threaded to the transmission screw 2.3. The camera 3 is located at the bottom of the transmission seat 2.4.
[0042] When the servo motor 2.2 drives the transmission screw 2.3 to rotate, the transmission seat 2.4, which is threaded to the transmission screw 2.3, can move along the axial direction of the transmission screw 2.3, thereby driving the camera 3 to move up and down, realizing the raising and lowering of the position of the camera 3.
[0043] To make the lifting mechanism 2 operate more smoothly and stably and to achieve its intended function, in this embodiment: the transmission seat 2.4 and the fixed sleeve 2.1 are slidably fitted, and the contact surface of their side walls is at least partially planar, so that under the constraint of this planar surface, the transmission seat 2.4 can only move along the axial direction of the transmission screw 2.3 and cannot rotate around the transmission screw 2.3.
[0044] As a non-limiting example, the appendix of this embodiment... Figure 3 The diagram shows that the inner cross-section of the fixed sleeve 2.1 is rectangular, and the cross-section of the part of the transmission seat 2.4 that slides with it is also rectangular. To improve the smoothness of sliding of the transmission seat 2.4, lubricant can be applied to the contact surfaces of the two parts.
[0045] In addition to the above, the bottom end of the transmission seat 2.4 is provided with a second U-shaped seat 9. The opening of the second U-shaped seat 9 extends laterally, and a second telescopic device 10 connected to the controller 5 is provided inside. The actuating end of the second telescopic device 10 can move along the opening direction of the second U-shaped seat 9. The camera 3 is located at the actuating end of the second telescopic device 10 and can be moved laterally by the drive of the second telescopic device 10. When the second telescopic device 10 is activated, the lateral position of the camera 3 can be changed, so that the camera 3 can not only observe near the edge of the overpass, but also extend into the middle of the underside of the overpass for observation, thereby reducing the observation of the four corners.
[0046] Optionally, both the first telescopic member 1.3 and the second telescopic member 10 can be made of commonly used electric telescopic rods, cylinders, or other devices in the art.
[0047] The method for observing the underside of a bridge using the aforementioned device includes the following steps:
[0048] (1) Use the first telescopic device 1.3 to adjust the position of the movable clamp 1.2 so that it is closer to the side plate of the first U-shaped seat 1.1 connected to the first telescopic device 1.3. Then, the first U-shaped seat 1.1 is straddled on the side wall of the overpass so that the side wall of the overpass is located between the movable clamp 1.2 and the other side plate of the first U-shaped seat 1.1. The roller 7 is made to contact the top surface of the guardrail on the side wall of the overpass. Then, use the first telescopic device 1.3 to adjust the position of the movable clamp 1.2 so that the movable clamp 1.2 and the other side plate of the first U-shaped seat 1.1 are respectively pressed against the side wall of the overpass.
[0049] (2) Start the servo motor 2.2 to drive the transmission screw 2.3 to rotate, so that the transmission seat 2.4 moves down along the fixed sleeve 2.1 until the second U-shaped seat 9 is lower than the bottom of the overpass.
[0050] (3) Start the second expansion joint 10 and gradually extend the camera 3 from the outside of the overpass to the middle and inside. Use the camera 3 to photograph the structure of the underpass and transmit the recorded content back to the display screen 4.
[0051] (4) Use the second telescopic device 10 to retract the camera 3 to the inside of the second U-shaped seat 9, and use the first telescopic device 1.3 to move the movable clamp 1.2 away from the overpass side wall, so that the device has the freedom to move along the length of the overpass side wall. Push the device along the length of the overpass side wall and repeat steps (1) to (3) until all the observation tasks under the overpass are completed.
[0052] During the above observation process, if any parts under the overpass are found to require repair, they can be repaired at any time using conventional maintenance procedures and construction specifications.
[0053] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this invention include at least the following: This device allows workers to inspect the structural damage under overpasses without spending extended periods in suspended platforms or similar devices. Instead, repairs are carried out only at the necessary bridge sections using conventional maintenance procedures and construction standards, thus significantly reducing the safety risks of maintenance operations. Furthermore, compared to suspended platforms or similar devices, this device is easier to move, improving the efficiency of maintenance work.
[0054] The above are preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. An observation device for the underside of an overpass, characterized in that, The device includes a clamping mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a camera, a display screen, and a controller. The lifting mechanism and the display screen are located on opposite sides of the clamping mechanism. The lifting mechanism is connected to the camera to raise and lower the camera. The display screen is connected to the camera to display the content recorded by the camera. The controller is electrically connected to the clamping mechanism, the lifting mechanism, and the camera to regulate the operating status of the observation device.
2. The observation device under the overpass according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism includes a first U-shaped seat, a movable clamping plate, and a first telescopic device. The opening of the first U-shaped seat faces downward. The movable clamping plate is located inside the first U-shaped seat and is connected to one side plate of the first U-shaped seat via the first telescopic device. The first telescopic device is controlled by the control mechanism to change the distance between the movable clamping plate and the other side plate of the first U-shaped seat.
3. The observation device under the overpass according to claim 2, characterized in that, A roller is rotatably connected to the inner side of the first U-shaped seat. The roller is located above the movable clamping plate, and its axis of rotation is perpendicular to the movable clamping plate.
4. The observation device under the overpass according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top of the first U-shaped base is equipped with a moving handle and an energy storage battery, which provides power to the observation device.
5. The observation device under the overpass according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes a fixed sleeve, a servo motor, a transmission screw, and a transmission base. The transmission screw is rotatably disposed in the fixed sleeve, and one end of it is connected to the actuator of the servo motor. The top end of the transmission base extends into the fixed sleeve and is threaded to the transmission screw. The camera is disposed at the bottom end of the transmission base.
6. The observation device under the overpass according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transmission seat and the fixed sleeve are slidably fitted together, and the contact surface of their side walls is at least partially planar.
7. The observation device under the overpass according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom end of the transmission seat is provided with a second U-shaped seat. The opening of the second U-shaped seat extends laterally, and a second telescopic device connected to the controller is provided inside. The camera is located at the execution end of the second telescopic device and can be moved laterally by the drive of the second telescopic device.
8. A method for observation using the observation device under the overpass as described in any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, Including the following steps: The clamping mechanism is mounted across the side wall of the overpass, so that the inner wall of the clamping mechanism is pressed against the side wall of the overpass. A servo motor is used to drive the transmission screw to rotate, causing the transmission seat to move along the fixed sleeve until the second U-shaped seat is lower than the bottom of the overpass. Using a second telescopic device, the camera is gradually extended from the outside of the overpass to the middle, filming the structure under the bridge and transmitting the footage back to the display screen.