Compensating Bearing for Bridge Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compensation bearings for bridge structures are bulky, not durable, and difficult to maintain or repair, especially when they need to handle both vertical and horizontal loads, including torsional forces, while allowing for easy maintenance during operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
A compact compensation bearing design featuring a bearing body that can be displaced along a body axis and rotated/tilted relative to the structure and substructure brackets, with sliding bushings and radial spherical plain bearings for smooth movement and alignment, allowing for easy assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known compensation bearing designs are used to transfer all loads including horizontal and torsional loads, then the bearing function is satisfied, but the installation space required becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bearing functions into a single integrated bearing body that simultaneously handles vertical loads, horizontal loads, and torsional moments. The bearing body integrates the capabilities of multiple separate bearing components into one unified structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate bearings and reducing overall installation space while maintaining full load transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing body is designed as a multi-functional component that can transfer various types of loads (vertical, horizontal, and torsional) through a single articulated connection. This universal bearing design replaces the need for multiple specialized bearings, achieving space savings while satisfying all bearing requirements for bridge structures.
2Reliability
If known compensation bearing designs are used to handle multiple load types, then the bearing function is satisfied, but the durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the bearing body for load transfer, the structural bracket for structural connection, and the substructure bracket for foundation connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables replacement of only the worn bearing body while retaining the durable bracket structures, thereby improving overall durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing body is designed with articulated connections that allow dynamic movement and rotation to accommodate various load conditions and structural movements. This dynamic design enables the bearing to adapt to different operational states while maintaining durability through controlled movement rather than rigid constraints.
3Reliability
If known compensation bearing designs are used to transfer all loads, then the bearing function is satisfied, but the maintenance and repair effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is divided into a reusable bracket system and a replaceable bearing body. The structural bracket and substructure bracket remain in place and can be inspected independently, while only the bearing body needs to be replaced during maintenance. This segmentation significantly reduces maintenance effort compared to replacing entire bearing assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the bearing body to be discarded (replaced) while recovering and reusing the durable bracket structures. During maintenance, the worn bearing body is removed and replaced with a new one, while the brackets are retained and reused, reducing both cost and effort compared to complete assembly replacement.
4Reliability
If known compensation bearing designs are used to handle multiple loads, then the bearing function is satisfied, but the replacement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is segmented into a permanent bracket assembly and a removable bearing body. This segmentation allows the bearing body to be independently replaced without disturbing the bracket structures, making replacement straightforward and reducing the need for complex disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket structures are pre-installed and prepared in advance, with connection points and mounting features ready for the bearing body. This preliminary preparation simplifies the replacement process, as the bearing body can be directly installed into the pre-configured bracket assembly without requiring complex field adjustments or modifications.
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
Enables efficient transfer of all loads, including horizontal and torsional forces, while providing a compact and easily maintainable structure that can be repaired or replaced without disrupting operational traffic, ensuring reliable and cost-effective support for bridge structures.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing body is arranged on the substructure bracket so that it can be displaced along a body axis
Implementation Method 2
the bearing body is arranged on the building bracket so that it can be rotated about this body axis and tilted relative to this body axis
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a compensating bearing for supporting structures, in particular bridge structures, comprising a structure bracket (2) that can be arranged on the structure, a substructure bracket (3) that can be arranged on a substructure, and a bearing body (8) that articulates between the structure bracket (2) and the substructure bracket (3). To provide a compensating bearing that, in addition to being suitable for transferring the loads, also has a compact design and is easy to maintain and repair, the bearing body (8) is arranged so that it is displaceable along a body axis (25) on the substructure bracket, rotatable about this body axis (25), and tiltable relative to this body axis (25) on the structure bracket.