Passenger Boarding Bridge Bellows Fastening Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting bellows to the head frame of passenger boarding bridges or staircases are complex and costly, involving drilling and riveting, which complicates assembly, disassembly, and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with form-fitting connecting elements, including a C-shaped profile and a hook member, secured by an elastomer strip, providing a simple, inexpensive, and detachable connection that allows for easy assembly and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If drilling and riveting methods are used to connect bellows to head frame, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components: a C-shaped profile fixed to the head frame, and a hook element attached to the bellows frame. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled through simple engagement rather than permanent fastening, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The C-shaped profile is pre-fixed to the head frame during head frame manufacturing, and the hook element is pre-attached to the bellows frame. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site drilling and riveting operations, allowing rapid assembly by simply bringing the two pre-prepared components together.
2Strength
If drilling and riveting methods are used to connect bellows to head frame, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components: a C-shaped profile fixed to the head frame, and a hook element attached to the bellows frame. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled through simple engagement rather than permanent fastening, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive and complex drilling/riveting equipment and processes with simple, inexpensive connecting elements (C-shaped profile and hook element) that can be manufactured at low cost and assembled without specialized tools or heavy machinery.
3Stability of the object's composition
If bellows is permanently fixed to head frame, then connection stability is improved, but adaptability and ease of replacement decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static permanent connection (drilling and riveting) to a dynamic reversible connection. The hook element can be engaged with the C-shaped profile to provide stable connection during operation, and disengaged when replacement or transport is needed, providing both stability during use and adaptability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components: a C-shaped profile fixed to the head frame, and a hook element attached to the bellows frame. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled through simple engagement rather than permanent fastening, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining connection integrity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If bellows is permanently fixed to head frame, then connection stability is improved, but transport complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components: a C-shaped profile fixed to the head frame, and a hook element attached to the bellows frame. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled through simple engagement rather than permanent fastening, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static permanent connection (drilling and riveting) to a dynamic reversible connection. The hook element can be engaged with the C-shaped profile to provide stable connection during operation, and disengaged when replacement or transport is needed, providing both stability during use and adaptability when required.
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
Facilitates quick and cost-effective attachment and detachment of the bellows, enabling easier transportation and on-site assembly, as well as easy replacement of spare parts, while maintaining a secure and moisture-sealed connection.
Implementation Method 1
A strip made of an elastomer is provided as a force-fit connecting element, by which the hook element is pressed against the C-shaped profile
Implementation Method 2
A strip made of an elastomer is provided as a force-fit connecting element
Implementation Method 3
the strip has a groove on at least one longitudinal side. This groove serves for the positive-locking, partial engagement of the hook element and/or a projection of the C-shaped profile
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a passenger boarding bridge or stairs (1) with a bellows (50) arranged on a head frame (3) of the passenger boarding bridge or stairs (1) by means of a fastening device, wherein the fastening device comprises means for providing a positive locking connection acting in at least two spatial directions, wherein the positive locking connection can be fixed by means of an at least force-locking connecting element.