Interlocking Bridge Piece for Hose and Railroad Crossings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose bridge extensions and railroad crossings lack versatility and efficient interlocking mechanisms for seamless integration and adaptation to different configurations.
Innovation Solution
A bridge piece with an undercut feature near one side for railroad crossings and interlocking structures on other sides, allowing it to function as both a hose bridge extender and a railroad crossing, with the undercut positioned near the track for railroad crossings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components are used for hose bridge extenders and railroad crossings, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge piece is designed with multi-functionality to serve as both a hose bridge extender and a railroad crossing component. The same bridge piece can be used in hose bridge applications to extend connections between hoses, and alternatively as a railroad crossing to allow tracks to pass through modular assemblies. This universal design reduces the number of different component types needed in the system.
2Strength
If traditional interlocking mechanisms are used, then connection strength may be adequate, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge piece incorporates segmentation through distinct interlocking features on different sides. Each side has specifically designed interlocking mechanisms that allow for tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity. The segmented design enables individual pieces to be easily connected and disconnected without requiring complex tools or procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-configuration bridge pieces are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge piece employs asymmetric design with different interlocking features on different sides. This allows the same component to be oriented and connected in multiple different configurations to accommodate various assembly requirements. The asymmetric features enable adaptability while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each individual piece.
Data Source
AI summary
A bridge piece that can be used as a hose bridge extender or a railroad crossing. An exemplary bridge piece has a body having an undercut proximate one side, which undercut is positioned near a track when used as part of a railroad crossing.