Modular Bridge Crossbeams with Integrated Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular bridges face challenges with heavy components, making them difficult to assemble quickly and efficiently, as existing designs often require full-area roadway elements that are cumbersome and weighty.
Innovation Solution
The modular bridge design features crossbeams connected to side elements at their midpoint, with support elements arranged on crossbeams to form a traffic route, using fiber composite materials for reduced weight and increased stability, and integrated connecting means for easy assembly without loose components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If transverse elements are designed as full-area roadway elements, then the bridge structure is complete and stable, but the components become very heavy and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse elements are segmented into crossbeams and separate support elements. The crossbeams provide structural support while the support elements form the traffic route, allowing each component to be optimized independently for reduced weight while maintaining overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The roadway function is extracted from the crossbeams and placed on separate support elements. This allows the crossbeams to be designed as lighter structural members without carrying the full roadway load, significantly reducing component weight while preserving structural integrity.
2Reliability
If components are designed with high stability and strength, then the bridge is reliable, but the components become heavier and more difficult to assemble quickly
Solution Approach 1:
Fiber composite materials are used to create components with high strength-to-weight ratios. This allows the bridge to maintain reliability and structural integrity while using lighter components that are easier and faster to handle during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Connecting means are integrated directly into the side elements and crossbeams as fixed, non-detachable features. This eliminates the need for separate loose connecting components, reducing assembly complexity and speeding up construction while maintaining reliable connections.
3Ease of operation
If integrated connecting means are used, then assembly is simplified and loose components are eliminated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means are merged with the side elements and crossbeams as integral, fixed features. This eliminates the need to manufacture and handle separate connecting components, simplifying assembly operations. The increased manufacturing complexity is offset by reduced inventory requirements and simplified assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The side elements and crossbeams are designed with self-contained connecting features that automatically provide connection functionality. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional connecting components and simplifies the assembly process, as components connect to themselves rather than requiring separate fasteners.
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
This design allows for a lightweight, stable, and easily assembled bridge with reduced weight components, enabling faster construction and improved handling, as well as the elimination of the need for loose connecting elements, facilitating quicker setup and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The side elements, the crossbeams and/or the support elements are also preferably made of a fiber composite material. By using a fiber composite material, the components can have a low weight with high stability. In addition, an improved fatigue strength of the components can be made possible.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular bridge comprising lateral elements (2, 3) which are interconnected in the longitudinal direction, and traverse beams (1) which connect the lateral elements (2, 3) in the traverse direction and bearing elements (20) which are arranged such that they form a traffic lane on the traverse beams (1). The invention relates to a method for constructing a modular bridge in which lateral elements (2, 3) are interconnected in the longitudinal direction and said lateral elements (2, 3) are interconnected by traverse beams (1) and bearing elements (20) are arranged such that they form a traffic lane on said traverse beams (1). The invention also relates to modules for forming a modular bridge with lateral elements (2, 3) which can be interconnected in the longitudinal direction and with traverse beams (1) for connecting the lateral elements (2, 3) in the traverse direction and bearing elements (20) which can be arranged such that they form a traffic lane on the traverse beams (1).