Dual Articulated Support for Bridge-Laying Vehicle Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bridge-laying vehicles face instability due to shifting center of gravity and unbalanced forces during bridge deployment, as existing support devices only effectively absorb longitudinal forces, leaving transverse forces unaddressed, which can lead to vehicle tipping and instability.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a support device with two articulated supports arranged transversely to each other, allowing for the absorption of forces from different directions, including longitudinal and transverse forces, with the ability to tilt and distribute forces evenly across multiple supports to enhance stability and prevent tipping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If only one articulated support is provided for absorbing longitudinal forces, then the structure is simple and space-saving, but transverse forces cannot be absorbed leading to vehicle instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoidnumber of articulated supports
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is segmented into multiple articulated supports (first articulated support for longitudinal forces, second articulated support for transverse forces) that can independently absorb forces from different directions, resolving the contradiction by dividing the force absorption function across separate components rather than relying on a single multi-directional support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each articulated support is designed with specific directional force absorption capabilities, where the first articulated support handles longitudinal forces and the second handles transverse forces, creating a universal system that can handle multiple force directions through specialized components working together

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If articulated supports are designed to absorb forces from multiple directions, then vehicle stability improves, but the service life of the articulated supports decreases due to increased stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoidservice life of articulated supports
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The force absorption function is segmented across multiple articulated supports, each dedicated to a specific force direction. This segmentation allows each support to be optimized for its specific loading condition, reducing stress concentration and extending service life while maintaining overall vehicle stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each articulated support is designed with local quality optimized for its specific force absorption direction - the first articulated support is optimized for longitudinal forces while the second is optimized for transverse forces, allowing each component to operate within its optimal stress range and extend durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the support plate is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot be stabilized when the center of gravity shifts during bridge deployment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoidsupport mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate is designed with dynamic positioning capability through articulated connections that allow it to adapt its position and orientation in response to shifting center of gravity during bridge deployment, enabling the system to maintain stability under varying operational conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The articulated support mechanism provides passive feedback through its mechanical structure, automatically adjusting the support plate position in response to force imbalances caused by center of gravity shifts, eliminating the need for active control systems while maintaining vehicle stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3578717B1Bracing device
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 KRAUSS MAFFEI WEGMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3578717B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3578717B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3578717B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a support device (1) for arrangement on a vehicle, in particular a bridge laying vehicle, with a support shield (4) that can be moved back and forth between a support position and a driving position via a lifting device (3) and a hinged support (5) for supporting the support shield (4) in a first support direction (R1), wherein a second hinged support (6) is provided for supporting the support shield (4), the support direction (R2) of which differs from the support direction (R1) of the first hinged support (5).