Foldable Bridge Center of Gravity Adjustment via Articulated Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable transportable bridges face challenges in weight distribution during transport, causing shifts in the center of gravity, which may require additional support devices, and are not universally compatible with different transport vehicles due to varying designs and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A transportable foldable bridge design featuring a first and second ramp element and an intermediate element with articulating connections, allowing for adjustable length and center of gravity, enabling compatibility with various transport vehicles without additional support devices, and an installation vehicle with a pivot arm for easy deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bridge elements are made heavy to ensure structural strength, then the bridge can support heavy loads, but the weight distribution on the transport vehicle becomes problematic causing center of gravity shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is divided into multiple segments (first bridge element, second bridge element, and intermediate element) that can be folded relative to each other. This segmentation allows the bridge to maintain structural strength when unfolded while reducing the transport footprint and enabling center of gravity adjustment through selective folding of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge employs articulating connections that allow dynamic adjustment of the bridge configuration. The first ramp element can be folded onto the intermediate element, dynamically changing the center of gravity position to match different transport vehicle characteristics while maintaining structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bridge is designed with fixed dimensions to ensure structural integrity, then the bridge maintains stability, but it cannot be adapted to different transport vehicle sizes and centers of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge incorporates articulating connections and foldable elements that enable dynamic reconfiguration. The first ramp element can be folded onto the intermediate element, allowing the bridge to adapt its length and center of gravity position to match different transport vehicle characteristics while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge design with standardized articulating connections and foldable elements provides universal adaptability to different transport vehicles. The same bridge structure can be configured to work with various vehicle types by adjusting the folding state and position of the ramp elements, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific bridge designs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional support devices are added to the transport vehicle to compensate for center of gravity shifts, then the bridge can be transported stably, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is designed to self-adjust its center of gravity through the folding mechanism of the first ramp element onto the intermediate element. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external support devices or complex stabilization systems on the transport vehicle, as the bridge autonomously adapts to match the vehicle's center of gravity characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A transportable foldable bridge that has a folded transport state and an unfolded installation state. The bridge includes a first ramp element, a second ramp element and an intermediate element with two opposing ends. A first end of the intermediate element is connected to the first ramp element and the other end of the intermediate element is connected to the second ramp element. An articulating connection is provided between the first ramp element and the intermediate element. In the transport state, the first ramp element and the intermediate element are folded and the second ramp element constitutes an extension of the intermediate element.