Suspended Bridge Platform With Slings And Guy Wires

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for maintaining bridge main cables require inconvenient and costly lane closures due to the need for workers to walk on cables while holding onto ropes, and existing temporary platforms are limited by dependence on existing band hardware for placement and attachment, lacking flexibility and ease of installation.

Innovation Solution

A platform is erected beneath the main cable using slings that can be placed anywhere along the cable, with guy wires to prevent slippage, and a main cable gripping device that allows for flexible placement and secure attachment without relying on existing band hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If workers walk on main cables holding onto ropes for maintenance, then maintenance can be performed, but lane closures are required causing inconvenience and economic loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidlane closure duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A platform is introduced as an intermediary structure between workers and main cables. The platform provides a stable working surface with rope supports attached to bands on the main cable, eliminating the need for workers to directly walk on cables while enabling maintenance operations without lane closures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If existing band hardware is used for platform attachment, then platform can be supported, but placement is limited to band positions reducing flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform support reliabilityVSAvoidplatform placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into independent components: bands attached to main cables at regular intervals, and separate platform support structures that can be positioned anywhere along the cable length. This allows the platform to be placed flexibly while maintaining reliable support through the band-cable connection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If simple rope supports are used for worker safety, then installation is easy, but safety concerns persist requiring lane closures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport system installation easeVSAvoidworker safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple safety elements are merged into a unified platform system: rope supports are attached to bands that are themselves attached to main cables, creating a redundant safety system. The platform structure combines multiple support points and attachment methods to enhance worker safety while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11401668B1Method of suspending a platform from a bridge main cable

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 PAUL KRISTEN INC

AI summary

A platform and method for erecting a platform of support beams to which decking is applied so that it is suspended from at least one main cable of a bridge. Spaced slings are applied to the main cable so that each extends around the main cable. Ends of each of the slings are attached to a respective one of the support beams respectively. One end of a guy in the form of a cable is attached to at least one of the slings intermediate ends thereof. The guy is extended between the sling and an anchor point to restrain the sling from slippage along the length of the main cable.