Articulated Vehicle Bridge Pivoting for Bellows Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bridge designs for articulated connections between vehicles, particularly those with central buffer couplings, face challenges in accessing the bellows bottom for cleaning and maintenance due to centering members that prevent easy access.
Innovation Solution
The bridge can be pivoted upwards after releasing the second connecting device, allowing access to the bellows base from the inside, with centering elements designed as scissors frames that can be removed from the bellows area, enabling unrestricted cleaning and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If centering members are provided on the underside of the bridge to center the step plate relative to the floor plates, then the step plate is properly centered and stabilized, but the bellows bottom becomes inaccessible for cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is divided into separable components: the bridge structure itself and the centering members (scissors frames). The centering members can be detached from the bridge, allowing the bridge to be removed for cleaning while the centering members remain in place to maintain the centering function.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering members are extracted as separate, removable components from the bridge structure. This allows the bridge to be completely removed from the bellows area for cleaning access, while the centering members stay attached to the vehicles to preserve the centering capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the bridge is designed with fixed centering members to maintain proper alignment, then alignment is ensured, but the bridge system becomes complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The centering function is separated from the bridge structure into independent centering members (scissors frames). This segmentation simplifies the bridge design while maintaining the centering function through separate, manageable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering members are designed as movable scissors frames that can adapt to different positions and configurations. This dynamic design allows the centering function to be maintained while enabling easy removal and simplification of the overall system.
3Ease of operation
If the bridge structure includes scissors frames as centering members, then the step plate can be centered and the bridge can be removed for cleaning, but the connection devices must be robust to handle the bridge's weight and forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection devices are designed as separate, modular components that can be easily attached and detached. The first connecting device (pivot joint) and second connecting device (releasable connection) are distinct elements that can be independently optimized for their specific functions while handling the bridge's weight and forces.
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 design facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance of the bellows bottom and coupling area, improving the overall life and accessibility of the bridge system.
Implementation Method 1
the one first connection device comprises a first pivot joint, wherein the first pivot joint is in connection with the one vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3a
AI summary
The bridge (1) has two bottom plates (4, 5) that are provided in the region of the front side of a vehicle in connection with a tread plate (6). The tread plate is mounted on bottom plates for centering the footboard. A centering portion is provided with tread plate on one side and connected to vehicle (2,3) on other side. The coupling portions are provided between the centering portion and the vehicle. The coupling portions are engaged to the centering portion from the region of indication button.