Bridge Cap Lifting Device with Deck-Receiving Open Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for replacing a bridge cap are hazardous and disruptive, requiring repeated engagements with a lifting apparatus and modifications to the bridge deck, which increases the risk of accidents and disruption to traffic.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with an upper bracket arm, a lower bracket arm, and a side bracket portion that transmits force to support the bridge cap, allowing it to be lifted onto columns without disturbing the bridge deck, featuring an open space to receive the deck and ensuring stable lifting and placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lifting apparatus with repeated engagements is used to replace bridge cap, then the bridge cap can be lifted into place, but the risk of accidents to personnel and disruption to traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is divided into separate functional components: an upper bracket assembly with first bracket arms that engage the bridge cap from above, and a lower bracket assembly with second bracket arms that engage from below. This segmentation allows each assembly to perform its function independently, eliminating the need for repeated engagements and reducing safety risks to personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper and lower bracket assemblies work together as intermediary structures between the bridge cap and the lifting force. These brackets provide stable engagement points that distribute forces evenly, eliminating the need for direct repeated engagement with the bridge cap itself and reducing traffic disruption and accident risk.
2Ease of operation
If repeated engagements between lifting apparatus and bridge cap are performed, then the bridge cap can be positioned, but the complexity of the lifting process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper bracket assembly is preliminarily positioned to engage the bridge cap from above, and the lower bracket assembly is preliminarily positioned to engage from below. Both assemblies are set up in advance to provide simultaneous support, eliminating the need for repeated adjustments and engagements during the lifting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper and lower bracket assemblies are combined to provide simultaneous support for the bridge cap during lifting. This merging of support functions into a single coordinated system simplifies the overall lifting process by eliminating the need for sequential, repeated engagements.
3Ease of manufacture
If bridge deck is modified to expose spacing between beams, then the bridge cap can be progressively moved onto columns, but the disruption to traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device extracts the need for modifying the bridge deck by providing engagement points on the bridge cap itself through the upper and lower bracket assemblies. This eliminates the requirement to expose spacing between beams, thereby preventing traffic disruption while maintaining installation feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting device is configured to support a bridge cap when lifting the cap onto columns under a bridge deck. The lifting device includes an upper bracket arm configured to extend over an upper surface of the deck, and a lower bracket arm configured to extend under a bottom surface of the deck, and to selectively engage the cap. A side bracket portion connects the lower and upper arms, and is configured to transmit a force associated with a weight of the cap to the upper arm. The upper and lower arms and the side bracket portion are configured to define an open space extending from free ends of the upper and lower arms to the side bracket portion. The space is configured to receive the deck when the lifting device is supporting the cap as the cap is being lifted onto the columns.