Adapter for Bridge Element Handling via Boom Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bridge-laying systems require a specialized armored bridge-laying vehicle to pick up, transport, and set down bridge elements, limiting flexibility as another vehicle of the same type is needed if the primary vehicle is defective.

Innovation Solution

An adapter for bridge elements that allows other vehicles with a boom to grip and transport the bridge element, featuring a feed device with a pinion gear, connection elements, and a carrier clamp for secure attachment, enabling engagement with a boom's tool holder for universal compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a specialized armored bridge-laying vehicle is used to pick up, transport, and set down bridge elements, then the bridge element can be securely handled, but the system loses flexibility as another vehicle of the same type is required if the primary vehicle is defective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure handling of bridge elementVSAvoidflexibility in vehicle selection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter enables multiple vehicle types to perform the same bridge element handling function. By providing a standardized interface that can be attached to bridge elements, the system allows different vehicles (armored bridge-laying vehicles, unarmored vehicles, vehicles with different booms) to universally pick up, transport, and set down bridge elements, thus achieving multi-functionality and resolving the lack of versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If the bridge element is designed for specialized vehicle attachment, then the attachment mechanism is optimized for that vehicle, but the bridge element cannot be handled by other vehicle types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimized attachment mechanismVSAvoidcompatibility with different vehicles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the bridge element and various vehicle booms. It provides a standardized attachment interface that mediates between the bridge element's existing structure and different vehicle types, allowing optimized attachment to the bridge element while maintaining compatibility with multiple vehicle configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a standardized adapter is introduced to enable multiple vehicle types to handle bridge elements, then vehicle flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional attachment components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle flexibilityVSAvoidattachment component structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is segmented into distinct functional components (first connection elements for engaging pinion bolts, second connection elements for engaging cross bracing, spacer for positioning). This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, making the overall complex system manageable, manufacturable, and maintainable while achieving the versatility goal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables bridge elements to be picked up, transported, and set down by various vehicles, enhancing flexibility and reducing dependency on a specific armored bridge-laying vehicle, allowing for operation from both directions of travel.

Implementation Method 1

a pinion gear arranged on each carrier and extending along the respective running rail, each consisting of a plurality of bolts arranged in a row, connected on one side to a carrier and set up to engage with a drive pinion of the feed device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRack and Pinion: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 2

at least one second connection element, which is connected to the spacer at one end and has a carrier clamp for fastening the second connection element to the bridge element at its end opposite the one end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3875688B1Adapter for a bridge element for receiving, transporting and depositing the bridge element through a boom of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.03.15 FFG FLENSBURGER FAHRZEUGBAU

Figure 1a~1d
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AI summary

Adapter (10) for a boom (200) of a vehicle for picking up, transporting and setting down a bridge element (100), wherein the bridge element (100) has two supports (110, 120) arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, forming a vehicle track, a guide rail (130) arranged on the side of each support (110, 120) facing the other support for receiving rollers of a feed device that moves the bridge element (100) horizontally, and a drive rod (140) arranged on each support (110, 120) and extending along the respective guide rail (130), each drive rod being formed from a plurality of bolts (150) arranged in a row, connected on one side to a support (110, 120) and configured to engage with a drive pinion of the feed device, characterized by two first connecting elements (20),which are connected to each other by means of a spacer (30) and are designed to receive at least one bolt (150) of each of the opposing drive rods (140), and at least a second connecting element (40) which is connected at one end to the spacer (30) and has at its end opposite the spacer a support clamp (50) for fastening the second connecting element (40) to the bridge element (100).