Modular Bridge Carrier with Integrated Tongue-and-Groove Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular support structures, such as deployable bridges, face challenges with stability and ease of assembly due to the need for numerous loose connecting elements and potential unwanted movement of components in tongue and groove connections.
Innovation Solution
A modular support structure design where components are connected via a carrier with a T-shaped connecting element and side stops, eliminating the need for loose connecting elements and preventing lateral movement by integrating the connecting element and side stops into the carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional tongue and groove connections are used to connect plate-shaped components, then the components can be connected together, but a large number of loose connecting elements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is integrated into the carrier as a fixed component rather than being a separate loose element. The carrier carries the components and includes the connecting element with a groove and tongue as integral parts, eliminating the need for multiple loose connecting elements while maintaining the tongue and groove connection functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If components are connected using loose connecting elements, then connection is possible, but unwanted displacements of components relative to one another occur in the direction of the groove
Solution Approach 1:
The side stops are integrated into the carrier as fixed components rather than separate elements. This integration provides lateral guidance and prevents unwanted displacements of components in the groove direction while maintaining assembly simplicity through the unified carrier structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If transverse elements are made solid for stability, then the bridge structure is stable, but the elements become heavy and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge structure is divided into modular plate-shaped components that can be individually handled and transported. The carrier system with integrated connecting elements provides stability when assembled while allowing individual components to remain lightweight and manageable during transport and assembly.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple loose connecting elements are used to connect components, then connections can be made, but assembly becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier integrates multiple functions - it carries the components, provides the connecting element with groove and tongue for joining components, and includes side stops for lateral guidance. This integration reduces the number of separate elements to be handled during assembly, thereby increasing assembly speed while maintaining connection flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5
AI summary
A device for connecting two, in particular panel-shaped, components (20) by means of a tongue-and-groove connection (45), wherein the components (20) to be connected have a groove (25), wherein a connecting element (46) which has the tongue (23) is arranged on a support (1) supporting the components (20), device for the flush connection of two components (20) by means of a tongue-and-groove connection (45), wherein the components (20) to be connected have a tongue (23), wherein a connecting element (46) which has the groove (25) is arranged on a support (1) supporting the components (20), and a modular support structure, in particular bridge (5), with side elements (2, 3) which are connected to each other via supports (1), wherein bearing elements, which, as the components (20), are connected to each other by a component connection of this type, are arranged on the supports (1).