Modular Expansion Joint Using Coil Springs for Distance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular expansion joint systems for bridges, highways, and roadways face challenges in maintaining consistent distance between load-bearing members due to deterioration of elastomeric materials, leading to diminished performance and costly repairs, especially under seismic movements and vehicular traffic.
Innovation Solution
A modular expansion joint system utilizing non-elastomeric compressive members, such as coil springs, to maintain equal spacing between load-bearing members, combined with support structures like yokes and tubular members for enhanced durability and vibration dampening, eliminating the need for elastomeric materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastomeric foam components are used to control distance between load bearing members, then ease of installation and vibration dampening are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to material deterioration over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastomeric foam components from the expansion joint system, extracting the problematic material that causes deterioration. The distance control function is achieved through rigid structural members (support bars, center beams, and housing) that provide stable, long-lasting spacing without the degradation issues of elastomeric materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the elastomeric foam (which is inexpensive but short-lived and deteriorating) with more durable structural components. While the structural components may be more expensive initially, they provide reliable distance control throughout the entire service life of the bridge, eliminating the need for repeated repairs.
2Ease of manufacture
If elastomeric foam components are used for distance control, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but loss of substance occurs due to material deterioration requiring repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the elastomeric foam material entirely from the system. The distance control function is achieved through rigid structural members (support bars, center beams, and housing) that provide stable, long-lasting spacing without the degradation issues of elastomeric materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards the deteriorating elastomeric foam components and recovers the structural integrity of the expansion joint system through durable metal components. This approach may require initial investment in more expensive materials but eliminates ongoing losses from material degradation and repair needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular expansion joint system accommodates large magnitude movements in multiple directions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the expansion joint system into separate functional modules: support bars for longitudinal movement, center beams for transverse movement, and housing for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific movement directions independently, achieving multi-directional adaptability while maintaining clear functional separation and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the support bars and center beams to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, accommodating movements in different directions, controlling distances between components, and enabling vehicle load bearing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing complexity while achieving high adaptability.
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
The system provides improved distance control and durability, reducing maintenance costs by preventing elastomeric material deterioration, while effectively accommodating seismic movements and vehicular loads without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one non-elastomeric compressive member connected to adjacent elongated transversely extending, spaced-apart, load bearing members for controlling the spacing between said adjacent load bearing members
Implementation Method 2
The elongated support bar members support the load bearing members. Each end of the support bar members is received in a housing embedded in the adjacent concrete structural members
Data Source
AI summary
A modular expansion joint system with equidistance control. The modular expansion joint system includes transverse vehicle load bearing members which are positioned in a gap defined between adjacent spaced-apart structural members, support members positioned below the transverse vehicle load bearing members and extending across the expansion joint gap between the adjacent structural members, means positioned within the structural members for controlling movement of the support members, and means for controlling the spacing between the transverse vehicle load bearing members. The means for controlling the distance between the transverse vehicle load bearing members comprises a non-elastomeric compressive member, such as at least one coil spring which, which according to certain illustrative embodiments, maintains a substantially equal distance between transverse vehicle load bearing members.