Adjustable Bridge Overhang Bracket Side Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bridge overhang bracket systems lack efficient and safe mechanisms for adjusting the side member length, requiring workers to climb on the structure for fine adjustments, which poses safety risks and complicates installation on varying supporting structures.

Innovation Solution

The bridge overhang bracket assembly features an adjustable side member with a threaded rod and nut bracket system, allowing for both coarse and fine adjustments of the side member length, enabling precise fitting without the need for workers to climb on the assembly, using a rotatable threaded rod with internal threading and a safety stop mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the side member length is made adjustable to fit varying supporting structures, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying supporting structuresVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side member is divided into multiple segments (first side member portion and second side member portion) that can be independently positioned and connected. This segmentation allows the side member to be adjusted to fit various lengths and configurations of supporting structures while maintaining relative simplicity through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side member incorporates movable connections with the top and diagonal members, allowing dynamic adjustment of the side member's position and orientation. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to different supporting structures without requiring a completely different bracket design for each case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If fine adjustment mechanisms are added to the bracket system, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of side member length adjustmentVSAvoidease of adjustment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The side member is designed with movable connections that allow for smooth, continuous adjustment rather than requiring complex locking mechanisms. The first and second side member portions can be positioned at various locations along the top and diagonal members, providing fine adjustment capability while maintaining ease of operation through simple repositioning actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the bracket design is made more complex to accommodate adjustments, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of manufacture worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of side memberVSAvoidease of bracket assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is divided into distinct components (top member, diagonal member, and segmented side member) that can be manufactured separately using standard fabrication processes. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be produced independently and then assembled, rather than requiring complex integrated manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The top and diagonal members are designed with connection points that can accommodate the side member at multiple positions. This universal connection design allows the same bracket components to serve multiple functions and configurations, simplifying manufacturing by using standardized parts rather than custom components for each adjustment scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances safety by allowing adjustments from a standing position, ensuring precise fitting to varying structures, and facilitating easier installation and retrofitting of existing systems, ensuring a smooth and stable bridge deck orientation.

Implementation Method 1

an adjustable side member for use in a bridge overhang bracket assembly, the bridge overhang bracket assembly including top and diagonal members. The adjustable side member can include: a threaded rod for pivotal attachment to the top member; an upper strut including a nut bracket having an internal thread engaging the threaded rod so that rotating the threaded member about its longitudinal axis adjusts a length of the side member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreaded rod mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS10508392B2Bridge overhang bracket assembly with adjustable side member

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 JACKSON BARRY WALTER

AI summary

A bridge overhang bracket assembly includes a top member, a diagonal member and a side member. The top and diagonal members are pivotally attached proximate to respective outer and upper ends thereof. The top and side members are pivotally attached proximate to respective inner and top ends thereof. The diagonal and side members are pivotally attached proximate to respective lower and bottom ends thereof. The side member is configured so that its length between the bottom and top ends is adjustable.