Configurable Gantry Crane Integration for Bridge Deck Paving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bridge construction involves labor-intensive processes and requires multiple stages of equipment for assembling and paving bridge decks, which are inefficient and not well-integrated.

Innovation Solution

A configurable bridge construction system with interconnectable trusses, support legs, and interchangeable carriages that include paving and material transportation equipment, allowing for adjustable frame structures and movable carriages to facilitate efficient material movement and paving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple stages of equipment are used for bridge construction, then construction functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction functionalityVSAvoidequipment integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple construction functions (material transportation, paving, and lifting) into a single integrated bridge construction system. The frame structure serves as a common platform that supports both material handling equipment and paving equipment, eliminating the need for separate stages of equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining construction functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different types of equipment including material transportation devices, paving equipment, and lifting mechanisms. This multi-functional design allows a single system to perform multiple construction tasks that would traditionally require separate specialized equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while improving construction functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If conventional bridge construction equipment is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction efficiencyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge construction system is divided into modular components including interchangeable carriages, adjustable support legs, and separable frame sections. This segmentation allows the system to maintain operational simplicity through standardized modules while improving productivity by enabling flexible configuration and faster setup times compared to conventional monolithic equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates adjustable and movable components such as repositionable support legs, interchangeable carriages, and adjustable frame structures. These dynamic elements allow the equipment to adapt to different construction scenarios and material handling requirements, thereby improving productivity without significantly complicating operation through standardized adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed frame structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe structure flexibilityVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is segmented into interchangeable modules including adjustable support legs and separable frame sections that can be reconfigured for different bridge construction scenarios. This segmentation provides adaptability by allowing the frame to be adjusted to various configurations while maintaining relatively simple individual components that are easy to manufacture and assemble.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is designed as a universal platform with standardized connection points and adjustable components that can accommodate different types of equipment and construction requirements. This multi-functional design enables high adaptability across various bridge construction applications while using standardized components that keep individual element complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250320672A1Integration of configurable material movement system with conventional bridge paving equipment

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 CMI TEREX CORP

AI summary

A bridge construction and configurable gantry crane equipment kit includes plurality of interconnectable trusses, support legs, and interchangeable carriages. Each of the interconnectable trusses are attachable to each other. The plurality of interconnectable trusses is configured to form frame structures having varying lengths. The support legs are attachable to the frame structures. The support legs are configured to elevate the frame structures. The interchangeable carriages are configured to engage the frame structures such that the carriages are movable along the lengths of the support structures. At least one of the interchangeable carriages includes paving equipment. At least one of the interchangeable carriages includes material transportation equipment.