Portable Bridge Modular Segments Lightweight Composite Deck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable bridges are complex to manufacture, heavy, costly, and difficult to move, with uncertain load-bearing capacities that depend on installation and ground support.
Innovation Solution
A portable bridge design featuring simple-to-manufacture segments with known load characteristics, adjustable to varying lengths of ground support, and capable of connection to form wider bridges with added safety railings and a flexible wooden deck for improved traction and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If portable bridges are constructed using common materials such as steel plates and matting, then the bridge can be manufactured with available materials, but the bridge becomes difficult to move, less strong, less stable, and requires significant time to construct
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is divided into modular segments that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each segment contains standardized components (parallel beams, decking, railings) that simplify manufacturing while enabling quick on-site assembly through pre-designed connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge structure incorporates movable and adjustable elements, such as adjustable support legs and modular decking sections, that allow the bridge to be quickly configured and adapted to different terrain conditions without requiring complex permanent installations.
2Ease of manufacture
If portable bridges are constructed using common materials such as steel plates and matting, then the bridge can be manufactured with available materials, but the bridge becomes heavy and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge utilizes composite construction combining lightweight materials (such as aluminum or engineered wood) with strategic steel reinforcement only where structurally necessary. This approach maintains manufacturability with common materials while significantly reducing overall bridge weight compared to traditional all-steel construction.
3Reliability
If the load rating of a portable bridge is determined by testing to support a maximum weight, then the bridge can be designed with a specified load capacity, but the actual maximum weight supported varies depending on installation and ground support conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge incorporates adjustable support mechanisms that allow the structure to adapt to varying ground conditions. By adjusting the length and positioning of support legs, the bridge can optimize its load distribution regardless of ground firmness, maintaining reliable load capacity across different installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge design allows modification of critical parameters such as support leg length, beam spacing, and decking configuration based on specific installation conditions and expected load requirements. This enables the same bridge structure to reliably support rated loads whether installed on firm ground, soft soil, or uneven terrain.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable bridge includes a first end segment and a second end segment spaced apart. The first end segment and the second end segment are placed on opposite sides of an obstacle to be spanned by the portable bridge. A spanning segment is coupled between the first end segment and the second end segment for spanning the obstacle. The first end segment, the second end segment, and the spanning segment each include a plurality of parallel beams distributed across a width of the portable bridge. The plurality of parallel beams are aligned along a length of the portable bridge and the plurality of parallel beams are fixed to a top plate and a bottom plate.