Gangway Endframe Segmented Interface for Sealing and Aesthetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gangway endframes often lack aesthetic appeal and can suffer from leakage issues when connecting to neighboring objects, such as other gangways or vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a contact surface formed by a part of the endframe beam with a groove that has a backward-facing wall, allowing for a clear interface with the neighboring object and a separate interface for the connector, which can be specifically designed for the type of connector used, thereby enhancing both aesthetics and sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the endframe uses a traditional integrated design where the connector interface is part of the beam structure, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and sealing performance worsens due to visible interfaces and potential leakage points
Solution Approach 1:
The endframe is segmented into two distinct functional interfaces: a contact surface formed by the beam for aesthetic and sealing purposes, and a groove with backward-facing wall for connector interaction. This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized independently, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic simplicity and functional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove acts as an intermediary element between the beam and the connector. It provides a dedicated interface for connector engagement while keeping the contact surface clean and aesthetically pleasing, thus resolving the conflict between simple appearance and complex connection requirements.
2Reliability
If the endframe uses a traditional integrated design, then the manufacturing process is simple, but leakage issues arise at the interface between the connector and beam
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the sealing function (contact surface) from the connection function (groove with backward-facing wall), the design eliminates leakage paths that would exist in an integrated structure. The groove provides a dedicated sealing zone that can be manufactured independently, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact surface is designed with specific local qualities (smooth, continuous) for optimal sealing, while the groove has different local qualities (structured, geometric) for optimal connector engagement. This local differentiation improves sealing performance without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.
3Device complexity
If the contact surface is designed to interact directly with the connector, then the interface is simple, but the aesthetic appearance and sealing performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The groove serves as an intermediary between the contact surface and the connector, allowing the contact surface to maintain its simple, clean aesthetic while the groove handles the complex connector interaction. This resolves the contradiction by introducing a mediating structure that separates aesthetic and functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is segmented into two parts: the contact surface for aesthetic and sealing purposes, and the groove for connector engagement. This segmentation allows the contact surface to remain simple and beautiful while the groove provides the necessary complexity for reliable connector interaction.
4Reliability
If the endframe uses a traditional design without a dedicated groove, then the structure is simpler, but leakage issues occur at the connector interface
Solution Approach 1:
The structural segmentation into contact surface and groove creates distinct zones for sealing and connection, eliminating leakage paths present in traditional designs. The groove provides a dedicated sealing chamber that improves reliability without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove introduces local structural complexity only where needed for sealing and connector engagement, while the rest of the beam maintains its simple form. This localized complexity improvement resolves the contradiction between reliability and overall structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An endframe of a gangway, the endframe configured to be connected to an endframe of a different gangway or to a car of a multi-car vehicle, the endframe comprising a beam, a connector attached to the beam, the connector being configured to connect the beam to a beam of an endframe of a different gangway or to connect the beam to a car of a multi-car vehicle or to connect the beam to a connector attached to a beam of an endframe of a different gangway or to connect the beam to a connector attached to a car of a multi-car vehicle, wherein a contact surface formed by a part of the beam and a groove arranged in the beam, wherein the groove has an opening and walls that delimit the groove, wherein one of the walls delimiting the groove is a backward facing wall, wherein the backward facing wall faces away from the contact surface, wherein the connector has a protrusion that is arranged inside the groove.