Bridge joint gap detection tool
By designing a bridge expansion joint gap detection tool with an equilateral triangular notch, and using a conical block and a correction mechanism, the error problem caused by the tilt of the bridge expansion joint measuring tool was solved, and accurate measurement of irregular gaps was achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUBEI QINGYUNZHILU ENG TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, it is difficult for measuring tools for bridge expansion joints to remain completely perpendicular to the direction of irregular gaps, resulting in large errors in measurement results.
A bridge expansion joint gap detection tool was designed, which uses an extension plate with an equilateral triangular notch and a conical block with a correction mechanism to ensure that the conical block remains vertical during the measurement process. The gap width is directly read by the scale at the contact point between the conical block and the notch.
It enables precise measurement of irregular gaps, reduces measurement errors, and improves the adaptability and accuracy of the measuring tool.
Smart Images

Figure CN224398558U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bridge maintenance equipment technology, specifically to a tool for detecting the gaps in bridge expansion joints. Background Technology
[0002] In the daily maintenance and safety monitoring of bridge engineering, the gap size of bridge expansion joints is one of the key parameters for assessing their working condition, directly affecting the stability of the bridge structure and traffic safety. For bridge expansion joints with smaller gaps (usually ≤50mm), existing technologies commonly use simple tools such as feeler gauges or calipers for measurement, with workers manually inserting the tools into the gap to read the width data.
[0003] Considering that the shapes of actual bridge expansion joints are often irregular, with potential for localized bending, uneven width, or concave edges, and that most expansion joints are continuous, elongated structures, manual operation presents challenges. Due to the lack of effective positioning and guiding mechanisms, it is difficult for feeler gauges or calipers to maintain a perfectly perpendicular orientation to the joint's direction. When the measuring tool forms an angle with the joint's direction, the measured value is actually the projected length of the joint in the inclined direction, rather than its true vertical width. This leads to significant measurement errors. Therefore, we propose a bridge expansion joint gap detection tool to address these issues. Utility Model Content
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model specifically adopts the following technical solution:
[0005] A tool for detecting gaps in bridge expansion joints, comprising:
[0006] The mounting block has an extension plate fixed to one bottom side. The side of the extension plate away from the mounting block has a triangular notch, and the edge of the triangular notch is marked with scale lines.
[0007] A cone-shaped block is movably fitted into the triangular notch;
[0008] A correction mechanism for correcting the verticality of a tapered block, the correction mechanism comprising a slide plate fixed to the top of the tapered block, a guide rod fixed at intervals above the side of the mounting block near the extension plate, a slider slidably fitted on the surface of the guide rod, a rectangular channel constructed in the middle of the slider, and the slide plate slidably inserted inside the rectangular channel.
[0009] Furthermore, the triangular notch is an equilateral triangle.
[0010] Furthermore, the extension plate is made of stainless steel and has a thickness of 1-2 mm.
[0011] Furthermore, a connecting plate is fixed between the end of the guide rod and the corner of the extension plate.
[0012] Furthermore, a rectangular groove is constructed at the top center of the mounting block, and the rectangular groove is adapted to the size of the sliding plate.
[0013] Furthermore, the mounting block has threaded connections on both sides with abutment bolts extending into the rectangular groove.
[0014] Furthermore, a handle is fixed to one side of the mounting block away from the extension plate, and a rubber sleeve is fitted onto the surface of the handle.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0016] 1. This utility model uses an extension plate with an equilateral triangular notch in conjunction with a conical block for measurement. The vertex of the triangular notch serves as the zero starting point of the scale. The width is directly read through the scale corresponding to the contact point between the conical block and the notch. Compared with traditional feeler gauges or calipers, this measurement method can more accurately adapt to irregular gap shapes. At the same time, it innovatively sets up a correction mechanism, including a slide plate fixed on the top of the conical block, a guide rod on the mounting block, and a slider that slides on the guide rod. The rectangular channel in the middle of the slider effectively restricts the slide plate, ensuring that the conical block always remains vertical during the measurement process, thus solving the problem of large measurement errors caused by the tilt of traditional tools. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view of the present invention;
[0020] Figure 4 This is a utility model Figure 3 Schematic diagram of cross-section along the AA direction.
[0021] Reference numerals: 1. Mounting block; 101. Rectangular groove; 2. Extension plate; 201. Triangular notch; 3. Scale line; 4. Conical block; 5. Correction mechanism; 501. Slide plate; 502. Guide rod; 503. Slider; 6. Connecting plate; 7. Abutting bolt; 8. Handle. Detailed Implementation
[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0023] This application provides a bridge expansion joint gap detection tool, mainly to address the problem in existing technologies where, due to the lack of an effective positioning and guiding mechanism, feeler gauges or calipers are difficult to maintain a completely perpendicular posture to the gap direction. When the measuring tool forms an angle with the gap direction, the measured value is actually the projected length of the gap in the inclined direction, rather than its true vertical width, which leads to a large error in the measurement results. The following technical solution is provided, which will be discussed in conjunction with... Figures 1-4 Please provide a detailed explanation:
[0024] A tool for detecting gaps in bridge expansion joints, comprising:
[0025] Mounting block 1, with an extension plate 2 fixed to the bottom of one side of mounting block 1. The side of extension plate 2 away from mounting block 1 has a triangular notch 201. The triangular notch 201 is an equilateral triangle. The side of the triangular notch 201 is marked with scale lines 3.
[0026] Conical block 4 is movably embedded in triangular notch 201;
[0027] The correction mechanism 5 is used to correct the verticality of the conical block. The correction mechanism 5 includes a slide plate 501 fixed on the top of the conical block 4. A guide rod 502 is fixed at a distance above the side of the mounting block 1 near the extension plate 2. A slider 503 is slidably sleeved on the surface of the guide rod 502. A rectangular channel is constructed in the middle of the slider 503, and the slide plate 501 slides through the inside of the rectangular channel.
[0028] Working principle explanation:
[0029] When measuring the width of a gap, a conical block 4 is first inserted into the gap. Under the action of the correction mechanism 5, the rectangular channel of the slider 503 restricts the slide plate 501, keeping the conical block 4 in a vertical state. At this time, the diameter of the point where the conical block 4 is parallel to the bridge surface is the gap width. An extension plate 2 with an equilateral triangular notch 201 is designed. When the conical block 4 is stuck inside the triangular notch 201, the distance from the vertex of the triangular notch 201 to the contact point of the conical block 4 is exactly equal to the gap width, utilizing the geometric properties of the equilateral triangle. By reading the scale value of the corresponding contact point on the side of the triangular notch 201 (zero scale at the vertex), the gap width can be directly obtained, realizing the accurate measurement of the bridge expansion joint gap.
[0030] Workflow Description
[0031] The first step is to move the mounting block 1 to the side of the gap to be measured, push the slider 503 to the end of the guide rod 502 away from the mounting block 1, and then insert the slide plate 501 into the rectangular channel in the middle of the slider 503. After releasing the hand, under the action of gravity, the bottom end of the cone block 4 will naturally embed into the gap. Due to the restriction of the rectangular channel of the slider 503, the cone block 4 can always maintain a vertical state. At this time, theoretically, the diameter of the cone block 4 at the position parallel to the bridge surface is the width of the gap. This step lays the foundation for accurate measurement in the future.
[0032] The second step is to insert the conical block 4 into the gap, press down on the sliding plate 501 from the top, and then move the mounting block 1 towards the conical block 4 so that the conical block 4 is firmly stuck inside the triangular notch 201, ensuring that the position of the conical block 4 is stable during the measurement process.
[0033] Third, observe the scale line 3 on the side of the triangular notch 201 (the zero mark is at the vertex of the triangular notch 201), find the scale value corresponding to the contact point between the vertex of the triangular notch 201 and the cone block 4, this value is the width of the gap, record this data, and complete the measurement of the width of one gap. If you need to measure the width of gaps in other locations, repeat the above steps.
[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the extension plate 2 is a stainless steel plate with a thickness of 1-2 mm. More specifically, in terms of material, stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance and wear resistance. With its chemical stability, stainless steel can effectively resist corrosion, ensuring that the extension plate 2 maintains structural integrity during long-term use and avoiding problems such as deformation of the triangular notch 201 and blurring of the scale line 3 due to material deterioration. This ensures the continuous reliability of measurement work. The ultra-thin specification of 1-2 mm can better fit the edge of the gap and reduce measurement deviation caused by the plate being too thick to adapt to the shape of the gap.
[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, a connecting plate 6 is fixed between the end of the guide rod 502 and the corner of the extension plate 2. More specifically, the setting of the connecting plate 6 is equivalent to building a stable "bridge" between the guide rod 502 and the extension plate 2. The connection method also enhances the integrity and stability of the entire tool. When moving the mounting block 1 or performing measurement operations, there will be no relative shaking or displacement between the guide rod 502 and the extension plate 2, ensuring the stability of the sliding trajectory of the slider 503 in the calibration mechanism 5 and the precise engagement position of the triangular notch 201 and the conical block 4. This provides a solid structural guarantee for the accuracy of measurement data, while also extending the service life of the equipment and reducing maintenance costs caused by structural loosening.
[0036] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, a rectangular groove 101 is constructed in the middle of the top of the mounting block 1. The rectangular groove 101 is adapted to the size of the slide plate 501. The two sides of the mounting block 1 are threaded with abutting bolts 7 extending into the rectangular groove 101. More specifically, the rectangular groove 101 is adapted to the size of the slide plate 501, and its core function is to provide a dedicated storage space for the slide plate 501. When the device is not in use, the slide plate 501 can be pulled out from the rectangular channel of the slider 503 and inserted into the rectangular slot 101. This design avoids the slide plate 501 from being bumped, deformed, or entangled with other parts and worn when it is idle due to random placement. It can effectively protect the structural integrity of the slide plate 501 and ensure that it can be smoothly inserted into the channel of the slider 503 when it is used again, ensuring the normal operation of the correction mechanism 5. After the slide plate 501 is placed into the rectangular slot 101, tighten the abutment bolt 7 so that its end is tightly against both sides of the slide plate 501. This can prevent the slide plate 501 from sliding out of the rectangular slot 101 due to shaking during transportation or storage. This fixing method is simple and reliable. It not only ensures the stability of the slide plate 501 when stored, but also allows the slide plate 501 to be quickly taken out by loosening the bolt when needed. It takes into account both storage safety and operation convenience, making the switching between idle and active use of the device more efficient.
[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, a handle 8 is fixedly provided on the mounting block 1 away from the extension plate 2. The surface of the handle 8 is covered with a rubber sleeve. More specifically, the handle 8 provides a stable gripping fulcrum for the operator. When moving the mounting block 1, adjusting the measurement position, or performing measurement operations, it allows the hand to apply force more accurately and effortlessly. Compared with directly gripping the mounting block 1, the handle 8 is designed in accordance with ergonomic principles, avoiding collisions between the hand and other parts of the mounting block 1, making the operation process smoother. Especially when multiple measurement points need to be worked on continuously, it can effectively reduce hand fatigue.
[0038] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A tool for detecting gaps in bridge expansion joints, characterized in that, include: Mounting block (1), with an extension plate (2) fixed at the bottom of one side of the mounting block (1). The side of the extension plate (2) away from the mounting block (1) has a triangular notch (201) and a scale line (3) marked on the side of the triangular notch (201). A conical block (4) is movably embedded in the triangular notch (201); The correction mechanism (5) is used to correct the verticality of the conical block. The correction mechanism (5) includes a slide plate (501) fixed on the top of the conical block (4). A guide rod (502) is fixed at a distance above the side of the mounting block (1) near the extension plate (2). A slider (503) is slidably sleeved on the surface of the guide rod (502). A rectangular channel is constructed in the middle of the slider (503), and the slide plate (501) slides through the inside of the rectangular channel.
2. The bridge expansion joint gap detection tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triangular notch (201) is an equilateral triangle.
3. The bridge expansion joint gap detection tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension plate (2) is a stainless steel plate with a thickness of 1-2 mm.
4. The bridge expansion joint gap detection tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting plate (6) is fixed between the end of the guide rod (502) and the corner of the extension plate (2).
5. A bridge expansion joint gap detection tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting block (1) has a rectangular groove (101) at the top center, which is adapted to the size of the sliding plate (501).
6. A bridge expansion joint gap detection tool according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting block (1) has threaded connections on both sides with abutment bolts (7) extending into the rectangular groove (101).
7. The bridge expansion joint gap detection tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting block (1) is fixed with a handle (8) away from the extension plate (2), and the surface of the handle (8) is covered with a rubber sleeve.