Adjustable Grave Bridge with Telescopic Planks and Jacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional burial setups pose risks of falling into grave pits due to unstable planks and uncovered pits, which can be hazardous to pallbearers and mourners, and lack aesthetic appeal during ceremonies.
Innovation Solution
A telescopically adjustable and height-adjustable grave bridge with secured planks, jacks for elevation, and decorative features, including ramps and handrails, to create a safe and visually appealing access solution for grave pits of varying sizes and uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional planks are placed across the grave pit, then pallbearers can transport the casket, but the planks are unstable and create a risk of falling into the pit
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is divided into multiple planks (first plank, second plank, third plank) supported by separate jack assemblies, distributing the load and improving overall stability compared to a single plank solution
Solution Approach 2:
Jack assemblies serve as intermediary support structures between the planks and the ground, providing stable elevation and support that eliminates the instability of direct plank placement on uneven terrain
2Ease of operation
If planks are placed to cover the grave pit, then pallbearers can access the pit, but the pit remains partially uncovered creating hazards to people and pets
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a safe walkway for mourners, a transport platform for pallbearers, and a protective cover over the grave pit, eliminating the need for separate solutions for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge extends beyond the immediate pit area with overhanging planks that provide coverage while maintaining access, using vertical and horizontal dimensional extensions to solve both access and coverage requirements
3Device complexity
If a fixed-size bridge is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate grave pits of varying widths and uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge incorporates adjustable elements including telescoping plank sections and independently adjustable jack assemblies that can be raised or lowered to adapt to different grave pit widths and uneven ground conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge allows modification of key parameters such as plank length (through telescoping sections), support height (through jack adjustment), and overall span (through adjustable plank positioning) to match varying grave dimensions
4Ease of operation
If functional elements like jacks and frame members are exposed, then the bridge is adjustable and functional, but the appearance lacks aesthetic appeal during ceremonies
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the bridge have different qualities: functional elements (jacks, frame members) are concealed where they would be visible, while maintaining their functionality, creating localized aesthetic improvements without sacrificing overall function
Solution Approach 2:
Decorative cover elements serve as intermediaries that hide the utilitarian appearance of functional components like jacks and frame members, mediating between the need for adjustability and the desire for aesthetic appearance
Data Source
AI summary
A grave bridge has a first horizontal frame member and a second horizontal frame member, each horizontal frame member telescopically adjustable; at least one plank interposed between the first and second horizontal frame members, the at least one plank secured to each frame member, and wherein the at least one plank has an extension frame longitudinally extendable from underneath a platform of the at least one plank; and a plurality of jacks for elevating the first and second horizontal frame members, the jacks placed at opposing ends of each horizontal frame member.