Bridge Construction Apparatus With Rotatable Lead Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bridge construction methods require temporary support structures and multiple cranes, which can disrupt environments like watercourses and limit pier spacing due to construction loads, leading to inefficiencies and environmental impacts.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a truss structure with a rotatable lead assembly and actuating system that allows for the independent rotation and positioning of bridge elements, such as piles and girders, eliminating the need for temporary support structures and conventional cranes by enabling precise placement and orientation of substructure and superstructure components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional cranes and temporary support structures are used for bridge construction, then bridge elements can be positioned and constructed, but the construction loads impose restrictions that require piers to be spaced relatively close together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate cranes into a single integrated apparatus. The apparatus includes a first crane for positioning pile drivers and piles, a second crane for constructing piers, and a third crane for constructing superstructure girders, all integrated into one system that can be positioned on the bridge itself rather than requiring separate ground-based cranes. This merging eliminates the need for multiple independent lifting systems and allows for greater pier spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from ground-based construction to bridge-based construction by positioning the crane apparatus on top of the existing superstructure. This dimensional change allows the construction equipment to be located in the third dimension (above the bridge) rather than constrained to ground level, enabling pier spacing to exceed the limitations imposed by ground-based crane reach and capacity.
2Ease of manufacture
If temporary support structures are used to support cranes for bridge construction over watercourses or wetlands, then construction can proceed, but the temporary support structures adversely affect the watercourse or wetland environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the construction support function from the ground/environment and relocates it to the bridge superstructure itself. By positioning the crane apparatus on top of the existing bridge structure rather than installing temporary support structures in the watercourse or wetland, the invention eliminates the harmful environmental effects while maintaining construction feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing bridge superstructure serves as an intermediary carrier for the construction apparatus. Instead of using temporary support structures that would require installation in the sensitive watercourse environment, the invention uses the already-built superstructure as the mounting platform, thereby avoiding direct environmental disruption while enabling crane support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional cranes are used for bridge construction, then various bridge elements can be constructed and positioned, but the device complexity increases with multiple cranes and temporary support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal construction apparatus that can perform multiple functions: the first crane functions can position pile drivers and piles, the same apparatus supports a second crane for pier construction, and a third crane for superstructure construction. This multi-functional integration reduces the overall system complexity compared to using separate, dedicated cranes for each construction task.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple independent crane systems into a single integrated apparatus that is positioned on the bridge superstructure. By combining the support structures and control systems into one unified platform, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining the versatility to perform various construction operations including pile driving, pier construction, and girder installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for use in constructing a bridge comprised of a superstructure and a substructure that supports the superstructure and is comprised of foundations and piers. In one embodiment, the apparatus is comprised of a truss structure, a trolley that is supported by the truss structure and used to move materials used to build the bridge along at least a portion of the truss, a support structure for supporting the truss structure, and rotatable lead that can receive a substructure related element from the trolley and be used to rotate the element to a desired position to further the construction of the bridge.