Pivoting Passenger Bridge with Movable Cabin for Constant Step Height
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bridges for passenger boarding and alighting at ships pose safety risks when the service door is below the dock line, as they require additional staircases and can trap feet between steps due to varying step distances caused by tidal and wave movements.
Innovation Solution
A bridge with a central structure that pivots between a cabin and a ramp, equipped with sensors to detect changes in inclination and actuating means like hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders to maintain a constant step distance, converting into a staircase when necessary, ensuring safe and consistent boarding and alighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bridge uses an inclined structure with steps to access service doors below the dock line, then accessibility to service doors is improved, but the vertical distance between steps varies causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge incorporates a movable cabin that can vertically translate along the inclined central structure. This dynamic adjustment allows the bridge to adapt to varying water levels and maintain a constant vertical distance between steps, eliminating the safety hazard of varying step distances while preserving accessibility to service doors at different elevations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the angle of inclination of the central structure and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the control system actuates the cabin to move vertically, maintaining a constant step distance. This closed-loop control ensures safety while adapting to changing conditions
2Reliability
If the bridge maintains a fixed step distance by vertical movement of the cabin, then passenger safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to sensors and actuating means
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge system is designed to be self-regulating through automatic detection and adjustment. Sensors continuously monitor the inclination angle, and the control system automatically actuates the cabin to maintain constant step distance without requiring manual intervention. This automation manages the complexity by making the system self-correcting rather than requiring complex manual control mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional staircases are used to access service doors below the dock line, then accessibility is improved, but the berthing maneuver is complicated and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is designed as a multi-functional system that can operate in different configurations. The central structure can be inclined to reach service doors below the dock line, while the movable cabin maintains safe step distances. This universal design eliminates the need for separate additional staircases, simplifying the berthing maneuver while maintaining accessibility to various door positions
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
The solution eliminates the need for additional staircases and maintains a fixed step distance, enhancing safety and comfort by allowing vertical movement tracking, ensuring passengers' safety during boarding and alighting operations.
Implementation Method 1
it comprises at least one sensor that detects any change in the angle of inclination between the central structure and the cabin
Implementation Method 2
said actuating means comprise at least one hydraulic cylinder or one pneumatic cylinder
Implementation Method 3
said actuating means comprise at least one hydraulic cylinder or one pneumatic cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a bridge that comprises a central structure (1) provided with cabin (2) at one end and a ramp (3) at the other end, said central structure (1) pivoting according to the relative position between said cabin (2) and said ramp (3). The central structure (1) comprises plates (4) that form a smooth floor or a staircase. The bridge comprises at least one sensor (5) that detects any change in the angle of inclination between the central structure (1) and the cabin (2); and actuating means (6), such that when a change in said angle of inclination is detected, one end of said cabin (2) moves vertically to maintain a fixed separation in height between the plates (4). The invention allows the vertical distance between the steps of the staircase to be kept constant, despite variations in the operating height.