Segmented Bellows Frames for Space-Saving Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bellows systems, particularly in rail vehicles and passenger boarding bridges, face challenges in easy replacement and space-efficient transportation due to their large size and complex installation, which complicates maintenance and replacement, especially when mounted on Jakobs bogies or in tunnel-like passages.
Innovation Solution
The bellows frames are divided at specific points with transfer profiles to enhance stability and allow folding, enabling space-saving transportation and installation, with continuous elastomer-coated corrugations ensuring structural integrity and moisture sealing during folding and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the bellows is made large to span platforms or bridges, then the protective coverage and structural function are improved, but the transportation and replacement become complicated and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows is divided into multiple frame sections that can be separated at the division. This segmentation allows the large bellows to be disassembled into smaller manageable parts for transportation and replacement, while maintaining the ability to span large areas when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows frames are designed to be foldable at the division, transforming from a rigid large structure into a compact folded configuration. This dynamic transformation enables easy transportation through narrow spaces and simplified replacement procedures while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
2Area of stationary object
If the bellows is made large to span platforms or bridges, then the protective coverage and structural function are improved, but the transportation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows is divided into multiple frame sections that can be separated at the division. This segmentation allows the large bellows to be disassembled into smaller manageable parts for transportation and replacement, while maintaining the ability to span large areas when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows frames are designed to fold at the division, transforming the spatial configuration from an extended three-dimensional structure into a compact folded form. This dimensional transformation reduces the transportation volume significantly while maintaining the original span capability when deployed.
3Productivity
If the frames are divided to enable folding and transportation, then the transportation efficiency is improved, but the stability at the division area may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Transfer profiles are introduced as intermediary elements that connect the frame parts at the division. These transfer profiles serve as mediators that maintain structural stability and load transfer capability at the division point while still allowing the frames to be separated and folded for transportation purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer profiles are pre-installed on the frame parts before separation. This preliminary action ensures that when the frames are divided for folding and transportation, the stability mechanisms are already in place, eliminating the need for complex stabilization procedures during the folding process.
4Strength
If the bellows is made large for double-deck coaches or passenger bridges, then the structural capacity is improved, but the replacement effort increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows is divided into multiple frame sections that can be separated at the division. This segmentation allows the large bellows to be disassembled into smaller manageable parts for transportation and replacement, while maintaining the ability to span large areas when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows frames are designed to be foldable at the division, transforming from a rigid large structure into a compact folded configuration. This dynamic transformation enables easy transportation through narrow spaces and simplified replacement procedures while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
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 solution simplifies the replacement and transportation of large bellows by allowing them to be folded and transported through narrow spaces, maintaining structural stability and sealing, thus addressing the complexity of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the folds or corrugations produced from the reinforcements coated with an elastomer bridge the division of the frames in the area of the division of the frames. This does not hinder the folding movement of the lower part of the bellows onto the upper part of the bellows since the corrugations or folds are highly elastic.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bellows (10), e.g. of a transition between two vehicles (1) connected by a hinge, a canopy of a passenger stairs or bridge or a transition to a building, wherein the bellows (10) has several frames arranged one behind the other, wherein all frames are preferably divided in one plane on two opposite sides to form several bellows parts (2, 3; 101, 102, 103).