Segmented Bridge Deck Launching via Guided Trolley
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bridging systems are either too heavy for manual transport or require extensive equipment for assembly and installation, making them impractical for temporary or military applications where rapid setup is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A bridging system comprising preformed bridge sections connected by stringers and a trolley with wheels, allowing for easy assembly and launch over a space, with features like extendable deck columns, cables, and outriggers for stability, enabling lightweight and portable bridging solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional bridges are used to span spaces, then structural strength and stability are improved, but weight increases making them too heavy for manual transport
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is divided into multiple pre-formed sections that can be carried and assembled separately. Each section contains stringers, floor beams, and decking components that can be independently transported and then connected using connection means to form the complete bridge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge utilizes composite construction combining lightweight materials with structural reinforcement. The stringers and floor beams are designed to provide maximum strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the bridge to be manually transportable while maintaining adequate load-bearing capacity.
2Reliability
If conventional bridges are used to ensure stability, then structural reliability is improved, but device complexity increases requiring extensive equipment for assembly and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge sections are pre-assembled and pre-configured with connection mechanisms before deployment. The stringers, floor beams, and decking are pre-attached to form ready-to-install sections, eliminating the need for complex assembly equipment during field deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection means serve as intermediaries between bridge sections, providing simple mechanical attachment methods. These connection devices enable reliable joining of sections without requiring cranes, heavy machinery, or complex assembly procedures.
3Ease of operation
If bridge sections are made lightweight for manual transport, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is segmented into multiple sections that can be carried by hand or with minimal assistance. Each section is designed to be lightweight enough for manual handling while the collective assembly provides the necessary overall structural strength through proper engineering of connection points and load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge structure incorporates dynamic load distribution features where the stringers and floor beams work together to transfer loads efficiently across the span. The design allows the structure to adapt to applied loads, maintaining strength while keeping individual components lightweight for portability.
Data Source
AI summary
A bridging system comprising a bridge (10) and a trolley (70), the bridge comprising a bridge deck (40) having at least two pre-formed bridge sections (42), the trolley including a set of wheels (573) with a track width configured such that in use with the trolley located on the bridge deck, at least one wheel contacts one stringer (443A) and at least one other wheel contacts another stringer (443B), the system further including tracking means for maintaining the at least one wheel in contact with the one stringer and for maintaining the at least one other wheel in contact with the other stringer such that the trolley and bridge deck may remain in contact while moving relative to, or with, one another for the launching of the bridge deck over a space to be bridged, the trolley being configured to carry goods and/or personnel over, and along, the bridge deck after the bridge has been positioned over the space to be bridged.