Lifter Assembly with Pivotable Arm for Bridge Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bridge removal and replacement technologies are inefficient and cumbersome, particularly for aging or corroded steel bridges, as they require heavy machinery and are not adaptable to varying bridge spans or easy transportation.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight lifter assembly with interchangeable rail and traveling wheels, a pivotable arm, and a trolley system that can be easily transported and connected in pairs to handle bridge spans of varying widths, allowing for efficient removal or replacement of highway or railway bridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy machinery is used for bridge removal, then the removal capability is sufficient, but the transportation efficiency deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter assembly incorporates movable components including a pivotable arm that can rotate between horizontal and vertical positions, and a trolley that can slide along the arm. These dynamic elements allow the same structure to adapt between transportation mode (arm horizontal, compact profile) and operation mode (arm vertical, bridge engagement), eliminating the need for separate heavy removal machinery while maintaining both transportation efficiency and bridge removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge removal system is divided into modular components: a base unit with rail wheels for railway transport, traveling wheels for highway transport, a pivotable arm, a sliding trolley, and a bridge support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while the entire assembly remains lightweight enough for efficient transportation between work sites
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed-configuration removal equipment is used, then the removal function is specialized, but the adaptability to different bridge spans deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is designed to pivot between horizontal and vertical orientations, allowing the lifter assembly to adapt to bridges of varying widths and heights. The trolley can slide to different positions along the arm, enabling engagement with bridge supports at multiple locations. This dynamic configuration allows a single standardized device to handle diverse bridge removal scenarios without requiring custom-built equipment for each span
Solution Approach 2:
The lifter assembly is designed as a universal device that can remove various types of bridges (highway or railway) with different span widths. The base accommodates both rail wheels for railway bridge access and traveling wheels for highway bridge access. The pivotable arm and sliding trolley provide universal engagement capability across different bridge geometries, eliminating the need for specialized equipment for each bridge type
3Manufacturing precision
If complex handling mechanisms are used, then the removal precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable arm and sliding trolley provide smooth, controlled movement for precise bridge engagement. The arm rotates on a pivot point allowing controlled positioning at different angles, while the trolley slides along the arm for precise lateral positioning. These simple mechanical movements provide sufficient precision for bridge removal without requiring complex control systems, maintaining ease of operation while achieving accurate bridge support engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The trolley acts as an intermediary between the arm and the bridge support, providing a simple sliding mechanism that translates arm movement into precise positioning. This intermediary element simplifies the operation by decoupling the complex pivotable arm movement from the precise positioning requirement, allowing operators to easily control the lifter assembly while achieving accurate engagement with bridge supports
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 efficient and safe removal or replacement of bridges by allowing easy transportation and adaptation to different bridge spans, reducing handling difficulties and increasing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the connectors includes at least one rail wheel, rotatably attached to the connector, for moving the base along the railway
Implementation Method 2
The base includes a plurality of traveling wheels, rotatably attached to the base, for transporting the base along the highway
Implementation Method 3
Each of the traveling wheel includes a leg pivotably attached to the base and extends between the base and the traveling wheel to connect the traveling wheel to the base and move the traveling wheel between a transport position and a storage position
Implementation Method 4
An arm is disposed on the distal end of the post rotatably attached to the post and extends radially outwardly from the post parallel to the base to a terminal end with the arm being rotatable about the post
Implementation Method 5
A trolley is slidably disposed on the arm and movable along the arm between the terminal end and the post
Data Source
AI summary
A lifter assembly includes a base having a top and a bottom surface. Connectors are attached to the base extending outwardly from the bottom surface. Each of the connectors includes at least one rail wheel rotatably attached thereto. The base includes traveling wheels rotatably attached thereto. A post is attached to the base extending outwardly from the top surface to a distal end. An arm is disposed on the distal end, rotatably attached to the post, extending outwardly to a terminal end. A support is movably attached to the arm and extends outwardly to a support end. A trolley is slidably disposed on the arm and movable along the arm between the terminal end and the post. Each of the traveling wheels includes a leg pivotably attached to the base connecting the traveling wheel to the base and move the traveling wheel between a transport and a storage position.