Flexible Cable Connecting Structure with Spherical Hinge for Bridge Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cable bridges are prone to damage due to cable failure, which can lead to bridge collapse, and existing maintenance methods are hindered by the difficulty in accessing anchored cable ends, creating a blind zone that affects safety and service life.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cable connecting structure utilizing spherical bearing pairs and hinge assemblies for rotatable connections between the cable and bridge components, allowing for stress release and easy maintenance access, with components such as steel strands, protective casings, and pressure sensors for enhanced durability and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connection is used between the cable structure and arch rib/beam, then the connection strength is improved, but the cable cannot accommodate deformation from temperature changes, leading to wire fracture and reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a spherical hinge connection that allows dynamic rotation and adjustment. The cable end is connected to the arch rib through a spherical hinge that can rotate in multiple directions, enabling the cable to accommodate temperature-induced deformation and inclination changes while maintaining connection strength. This dynamic connection prevents wire fracture by allowing the cable to adjust its position without creating excessive stress.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cable anchor ends are positioned in invisible locations (above arch rib and under beam), then the structural integrity is improved, but maintenance becomes difficult requiring track maintenance cars that cannot access narrow spaces, creating blind zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the cable anchor ends from hidden locations (above arch rib and under beam) to visible locations on the side surface of the arch rib. This spatial repositioning maintains structural integrity while dramatically improving maintenance accessibility. The anchor ends are now accessible from the side, eliminating the need for track maintenance cars and allowing direct visual inspection and maintenance operations.
3Area of stationary object
If the cable anchor ends are positioned in narrow spaces under the beam, then the bridge structure is compact, but the anchor ends become blind zones that are difficult to maintain, affecting bridge safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the anchor ends from the narrow vertical space under the beam to the lateral surface of the arch rib. This repositioning in a different spatial dimension maintains the compactness of the bridge structure while eliminating the blind zone problem. The anchor ends are now accessible from the side, allowing maintenance personnel to visually inspect and service them without entering narrow confined spaces.
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 flexible cable structure prevents cable fracture due to deformation, facilitates safer and more efficient maintenance by keeping anchor ends within sight, and allows for prefabricated construction assemblies to reduce on-site construction time and improve quality.
Implementation Method 1
connected to at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion by using a spherical bearing pair
Implementation Method 2
the first connecting portion includes a hinge assembly rotating along one direction
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible cable connecting structure and a bridge structure. The connecting structure includes a flexible cable; the first portion connected to a top end and a second portion connected to a bottom end by using a spherical bearing pair. By using a hinge assembly and a spherical hinge assembly, a rotatable connection between the cable and a bridge structure is implemented to avoid force uniformity of steel wires inside the cable due to inclination, thus helps prolong the service life of the cable. The connecting ends of the cable are located in a lower part of an arch rib and an upper part of a bridge floor, respectively located within a line of sight range, making it convenient for maintenance. The cable can be prefabricated in a factory, which ensures construction quality and reduces time of site construction.