Passive Cable Support Frames for Bridge Movement Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for supporting cables across movable sections of structures, such as bridges, require external power sources and are cumbersome, especially when dealing with large structures or obstacles, and cannot evenly distribute deformation across multiple sections.
Innovation Solution
A passive cable support system using cinematically coupled frames with adjustable transmission ratios, allowing for even distribution of movement without external power, and accommodating different section lengths and obstacles by using a network of frames and transmission members that share the overall movement of the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cable festoon is used to compensate for relative movements between bridge sections, then the cable can accommodate small movements (few centimeters), but the total deformation becomes excessively large for structures with considerable length (tens of meters)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides a single long cable festoon into multiple shorter cable segments (first cable, second cable, third cable, etc.), each supported by intermediate frames. This segmentation reduces the flexural deformation of each individual cable segment while maintaining the overall movement compensation capability across the entire bridge structure.
2Strength
If multiple cable festoons are used to reduce cable deformation, then the cable stress is distributed, but the system becomes complex and requires external power sources and active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate frames are passively supported by the bridge sections themselves without requiring external power sources or active control mechanisms. The frames automatically adjust their positions based on the relative movements of the bridge sections, allowing the system to self-regulate and distribute cable stress without complex control systems.
3Reliability
If hydraulic systems or electric motors are used to control wagon movements, then the expansion joint gap variations are forcefully controlled, but the system requires power supply and recurring inspection and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates hydraulic systems and electric motors by using passive frames that automatically adapt to gap variations. The frames are supported directly by the bridge sections and adjust their positions through mechanical interaction alone, removing all power supply requirements and significantly reducing maintenance needs.
4Ease of manufacture
If lever arms with fixed length are used to control wagon movements, then the system can work with a single transmission ratio, but it cannot accommodate obstacles or different section lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces fixed-length lever arms with adjustable transmission ratios between successive frames. Each frame can have a different transmission ratio, allowing the system to adapt to varying section lengths and accommodate obstacles. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to maintain proper mechanical coupling while adapting to different structural configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3~3a
AI summary
A system (100) for installing a cable (3) across two movable sections (201, 202) of a structure comprises a first support (51) fixed to a first section (201) of a structure and holding a portion of a cable (3), a second support (52) fixed to a second section (202) of the structure and holding a portion of the cable (3), a first frame (110) fixedly mounted to the first section (201) of the structure and extended across a gap (5) comprised between the first section (201) and the second section (202) of the structure, a second frame (120) acting on a portion of the cable (3) for holding the same mounted to the second section (202) of the structure and movable with respect to the same, a first transmission member (10) acting between the first frame (110) and the second frame (120), wherein the first transmission member (10) is actuated by the first frame (110) and actuates the second frame (120) when the first (201) and second section (202) of the structure move each other.