Bridge-Laying Vehicle Detection Device for Automatic Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for aligning the laying arm of a bridge-laying vehicle with a bridge element are time-consuming and require manual intervention, especially in limited visibility conditions, posing risks to crew members in military applications.

Innovation Solution

Equipping the bridge-laying vehicle with a detection device, such as a thermal imaging camera or laser scanner, to automatically detect the position of the bridge element and provide alignment instructions to the driver, allowing for remote control and automatic alignment of the laying arm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual alignment method is used, then the driver can position the vehicle, but the process is time-consuming and requires crew members to be exposed in hazardous environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrew safetyVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process with an automated optical detection system. A detection device with camera and laser scanner automatically detects the bridge element's position and provides alignment instructions to the driver, eliminating the need for crew members to manually position the vehicle and reducing alignment time while improving safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the driver manually positions the vehicle, then alignment can be achieved, but visibility limitations require multiple attempts and delay the operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepickup speedVSAvoidalignment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a detection device as an intermediary between the driver and the bridge element. The device includes a camera for visual detection and a laser scanner for precise position measurement, which together provide the driver with accurate alignment instructions, eliminating the need for multiple trial attempts and improving both productivity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If another crew member dismounts to instruct the driver, then alignment can be achieved, but this delays the pickup and exposes the crew member to danger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the bridge-laying vehicle to perform self-alignment through an integrated detection device. The vehicle's own detection system automatically measures the bridge element's position and provides alignment guidance to the driver, eliminating the need for another crew member to dismount and instruct, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing operational complexity and safety risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 quicker and safer pickup of bridge elements by eliminating the need for manual alignment, reducing crew exposure and improving operational efficiency, especially in hazardous environments.

Implementation Method 1

the detection device has a camera, in particular a thermal imaging camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation detection: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a laser scanner. The camera can be aligned in the direction of travel of the bridge-laying vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser scanning: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP2670917B1Method for lifting a movable bridge element and bridge-moving vehicle
Publication Date: 2016.11.23 KRAUSS MAFFEI WEGMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2670917B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2670917B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2670917B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4c

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for lifting a movable bridge element (10) with a bridge-moving vehicle (1), a moving arm (3) of the bridge-moving vehicle (1) being aligned on the bridge element (10), and the position of the bridge element (10) to be lifted being detected by means of a detecting device (5) of the bridge-moving vehicle (1). The invention further relates to a bridge-moving vehicle for lifting a movable bridge element (10) with a moving arm (3) which is designed such that it can be aligned on the bridge element (10), the bridge-moving vehicle (1) comprising a detection device (5) for detecting the position of the bridge element (10).