Modular Access Tunnel System with Node Element for Multiple Doors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access tunnel systems often leave sections uncovered, particularly when connecting to vehicles or buildings with multiple entrance doors, as they are not designed to flexibly cover varying distances between doors, limiting their effectiveness in guiding people efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a node element that allows multiple access tunnels to connect, forming a modular system with telescopic tunnel elements and bellows for flexible configuration, enabling complete coverage of multiple entrance doors and adjustable lengths to accommodate different vehicle or building layouts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single access tunnel system is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot cover multiple entrance doors at varying distances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of multiple entrance doorsVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The access tunnel system is divided into multiple separate access tunnels, each independently connectable to different entrance doors. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to varying distances and configurations of multiple doors while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access tunnel system is designed with universal connectors and standardized dimensions that enable the same tunnel structure to serve multiple functions - connecting to different entrance doors, accommodating varying distances, and interfacing with various vehicle or building types. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the access tunnel system is made flexible to cover varying distances, then adaptability improves, but the structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in covering varying distancesVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The access tunnel system incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow the structure to dynamically adapt to different distances between entrance doors. The system can be configured and reconfigured as needed while maintaining structural integrity through engineered connection points and support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple access tunnels are connected to a node element, then complete coverage of multiple doors is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete coverage of multiple entrance doorsVSAvoidnumber of connected components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the coverage function into multiple independent access tunnels, each responsible for serving specific entrance doors. This segmentation allows complete coverage of multiple doors while managing complexity by keeping each tunnel module relatively simple and standardized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access tunnels are designed to connect to a central node element in a nested configuration, where multiple tunnels radiate from or connect to the same structural core. This nesting approach allows complete coverage of multiple doors while sharing common structural resources, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3202667B1Access tunnel system for covered guidance of persons
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 HUBNER GMBH
  • EP3202667B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3202667B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to an access tunnel system (1) comprising at least one access tunnel (10) for the covered passage of persons to a vehicle (11), an aircraft, a building, or the like. According to the invention, a node element (12) is provided to which the access tunnel (10) opens and to which at least one further access tunnel (13) connects.