Bridge-laying vehicle support plate pivot axis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support devices for bridge-laying vehicles, which use length-adjustable lifting elements to move a support plate between driving and support positions, often restrict the driver's view due to the circular path of the support plate movement.

Innovation Solution

The lifting element is arranged to pivot about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, allowing the support plate to move translationally in a plane parallel to the vehicle's contour, and additional struts are used to absorb transverse forces, ensuring a compact driving position without obstructing the driver's view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lifting element is arranged to pivot about a transverse axis (conventional design), then the support plate can be moved between driving and support positions, but the support plate pivots along a circular path which restricts the driver's view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver's viewVSAvoidmovement space of support plate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pivot axis orientation from transverse (horizontal) to longitudinal (vertical), fundamentally altering the dimension of rotation. This dimensional change transforms the support plate's movement from a circular arc in the horizontal plane to a translational motion in the vertical plane, simultaneously achieving compact retraction and unobstructed driver view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the support plate is positioned high for effective support, then tipping risk is reduced, but the driver's view is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoiddriver's view
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the support plate can be raised to high positions for vehicle stability during bridge laying operations, yet retracted to compact positions when not in use. The longitudinal pivot axis enables the support plate to move vertically for stability while retracting close to the vehicle body, maintaining driver visibility throughout operation cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the lifting element absorbs only longitudinal forces, then the structure is simpler, but transverse forces from uneven ground cannot be effectively absorbed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting element structureVSAvoidsupport plate stability on uneven ground
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of force absorption in both longitudinal and transverse directions into an integrated lifting element system. The longitudinal pivot axis configuration allows the lifting element to naturally accommodate transverse forces from uneven terrain while maintaining structural simplicity, eliminating the need for separate transverse force absorption mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration allows for a space-saving and unobstructed movement of the support plate, reducing the risk of tipping and maintaining an unimpeded driver view, even when the center of gravity is unfavorable, by translating the support plate vertically and absorbing forces effectively.

Implementation Method 1

The variable-length lifting element, which can in particular be a hydraulic cylinder, is usually only designed or suitable for absorbing forces acting in its longitudinal direction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP2598698B1Vehicle and supporting apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.06.15 KRAUSS MAFFEI WEGMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2598698B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2598698B1 patent drawingFigure 2~6
  • EP2598698B1 patent drawingFigure 7~11

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a bridge-laying vehicle, with a supporting apparatus (2) having a supporting shield (4) which is movable to and fro between a supporting position and a driving position via a lifting apparatus (3), wherein the lifting apparatus (3) has at least one length-variable lifting element (5), wherein the lifting element (5) is arranged pivotably about an axis (A) extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The invention furthermore relates to a supporting apparatus, in particular for arrangement on bridge-laying vehicles, having a supporting shield (4) which is movable to and fro between a supporting position and a driving position via a lifting apparatus (3), wherein the lifting apparatus (3) has at least one length-variable lifting element (5), wherein the lifting element (5) can be arranged pivotably about an axis (A) extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.