Self-Supporting Arch Assembly for Train Antenna Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for transportation systems, such as tunnels, are difficult and costly to assemble, often requiring manual mounting of antennas and cables, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in aging infrastructure with varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting arch assembly with a monolithic structure, utilizing 3D printing techniques, that can be quickly installed without mechanical fasteners, featuring a ballasted anchor system and self-healing resin to seal cracks, allowing for rapid deployment and reduced installation time and errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If components are mounted directly to surrounding structures (e.g., tunnel walls), then device functionality is achieved, but assembly difficulty and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support structure as an intermediary component between the antenna and the tunnel wall. This support structure includes a base plate with mounting features that attach to the tunnel wall, and an arch assembly that extends from the base plate to support the antenna. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall assembly process by providing a pre-fabricated mounting system rather than requiring direct attachment of the antenna to the tunnel wall.
2Reliability
If manual mounting of antennas and cables is performed, then device installation is achieved, but installation time increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is pre-fabricated with all necessary mounting features, attachment points, and structural components integrated into a single assembly. The base plate includes pre-formed mounting holes and attachment features, and the arch assembly is pre-configured with support elements. This preliminary preparation of the complete support structure eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site assembly and reduces installation errors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional assembly methods are used in aging infrastructure, then installation is completed, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into distinct modular segments: a base plate portion that attaches to the tunnel wall, and an arch assembly portion that supports the antenna. The base plate includes a top surface, side surfaces, and a bottom surface with mounting features. The arch assembly includes arch members connected to the base plate. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and then assembled together, simplifying the overall installation process in aging infrastructure.
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
The arch assembly significantly reduces installation time and costs, enhances safety by minimizing the need for high-risk installations, and provides a durable, long-lasting solution with advanced self-healing properties and real-time monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The support structure can include one or more capillaries in or on the support structure. The support structure can include a self-healing resin disposed in the one or more capillaries, the self-healing resin arranged to seal or fill a crack or deformity in the support structure.
Implementation Method 2
The support structure can include an anchor member and a pivot member pivotally engaged relative to the anchor member such that the pivot member can pivot about a pivot axis.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to support structures for transportation systems. In some embodiments, the support structure comprises a self-supporting arch assembly. The self-supporting arch assembly can be configured to support one or more devices in a transportation system, such as an antenna assembly configured to communicate with a train. In other embodiments, the support structure can comprise a hinged mast assembly comprising a hinge assembly and mast coupled to the hinge assembly. A device, such as an antenna assembly can be disposed at a distal portion of the mast.