Floating Pivotable Bridge with Modular Locking and Thrusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable bridges are expensive, have limited movement range, and pose risks to larger ships due to their permanent structure and mechanical limitations, while temporary bridges lack the durability and propulsion systems necessary for efficient and safe passage of both vehicle and boat traffic across waterways.
Innovation Solution
A floating, self-propelling, self-ballasting, pivotable bridge system that connects to land at both ends, featuring a locking mechanism, pivoting system with adjustable plates, and thrusters for movement, allowing the bridge to swing open for boat traffic while maintaining a stable and secure road surface for vehicles and pedestrians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a permanent movable bridge structure is used, then vehicle and pedestrian access is provided, but the bridge movement range is limited and construction cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently connected and disconnected. Each section is a self-contained unit with locking mechanisms that allow them to be assembled into different configurations, enabling the bridge to adapt to various waterway widths and movement requirements without requiring a complex permanent structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge incorporates dynamic locking mechanisms that allow it to transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking mechanisms can engage to secure the bridge in position for vehicle traffic, or disengage to allow the bridge sections to pivot and move apart for boat traffic, providing adaptability without permanent fixed structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If a temporary raft bridge with motors is used, then ease of assembly is improved, but the structure lacks durability for permanent use
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge consists of multiple durable modular sections that can be quickly connected using standardized locking mechanisms. Each section is built with sufficient strength for permanent use but can be easily assembled and disassembled by removing or engaging the locking mechanisms, combining the ease of temporary assembly with the durability of permanent structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge design allows for changes in configuration parameters such as the number of active sections, their arrangement, and locking status. This enables the same durable structure to be adapted for different uses - spanning different waterway widths, operating as a permanent bridge or being moved to allow boat traffic - without requiring different structural types.
3Ease of operation
If a pivot mechanism with idle wheels is used, then the bridge can pivot between positions, but the pivot system is subject to considerable forces and may break down
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting function is distributed across multiple independent pivot points located at each section connection rather than relying on a single complex pivot mechanism. Each pivot point uses simple, robust locking mechanisms that can handle the forces encountered during pivoting, reducing the likelihood of breakdown compared to a single complex pivot system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanisms are designed with built-in force distribution and alignment features that prevent excessive stresses from concentrating on any single component. The modular design allows forces to be distributed across multiple connection points, and the locking mechanisms include features to accommodate and cushion the forces generated during pivoting operations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the bridge is permanently attached to land, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to move for boat traffic is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge employs dynamic locking mechanisms that can engage to provide stable, permanent attachment when vehicle traffic is the priority, or disengage to allow the bridge sections to pivot and move apart for boat traffic. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to provide both stability and movement capability as needed, rather than being permanently fixed in one configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge is divided into multiple detachable sections connected by locking mechanisms. When the locking mechanisms are engaged, the sections form a stable, permanent structure for vehicle traffic. When disengaged, the sections can be pivoted and reconfigured to allow boat traffic, providing both structural stability and movement capability through the same segmented design.
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 safe and efficient passage of both vehicle and boat traffic across waterways, with the ability to span larger distances and withstand stresses, reducing operational costs and enhancing safety by providing a robust and adaptable bridge solution.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism at the first end of the main bridge body for connecting with a first complementary locking mechanism at the first embankment, for removably locking the first end of the bridge in a closed position
Implementation Method 2
a pivoting system at the second end of the main bridge body. The pivoting system has one or more plates attached to the second end of the bridge for attaching to complementary plates at the second embankment thereby forming a pair of plates. Each pair of plates has a pivot point
Implementation Method 3
a locking pin for insertion into the pivot point in each pair of plates for pivotally connecting the pair of complementary plates
Implementation Method 4
The bridge pivots from a closed position spanning at least a portion of a waterway for allowing vehicle and/or pedestrian traffic to cross the roadway, to an open position for allowing boat traffic through the waterway
Data Source
AI summary
A floating, self-propelling, self-ballasting, pivotable bridge system is described. The bridge has a main bridge body with a pontoon-like structure. One end of the bridge has a pivoting system comprising complementary pivot plates, one attached to the bridge and the other on land with a pivot pin attaching them at a pivot point. The other end of the bridge has a releasable locking mechanism. The bridge has ballast tanks for raising and lowering its level in the water. The bridge also has thrusters for propelling itself through the water when it pivots from a closed position spanning a waterway to an open position allowing boat traffic through a waterway.