Vehicle Transition Bridge Pivot Structure for Load and Maintenance Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transition bridges in vehicles, particularly in subways and metros, face challenges with high load capacity, complex dismantling for maintenance, and limited access to components beneath the bridge due to force flow through thin base plates, making them unsuitable for high passenger traffic and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A transition bridge design featuring a centering element with a pivot axis that rotates independently of the base plates, allowing unlimited rotation and easy access, with detachable connections to vehicle ends and adaptable end strips for quick installation and maintenance, and a scissor mechanism for movability, distributing load across multiple subunits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the transition bridge is designed with a thin base plate to reduce weight and complexity, then the device complexity and weight are reduced, but the load-bearing capacity is limited and force flow is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the force flow path from the base plate by introducing a pivot axis that passes through the centering element. This allows the base plate to be thinner and simpler while maintaining load-bearing capacity, as the forces are transmitted through the pivot axis rather than through the base plate thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot axis acts as an intermediary element that transfers forces between the centering element and the vehicle section. This intermediary mechanism allows the base plate to be simplified while maintaining structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.
2Strength
If the transition bridge is designed with fixed connections to provide stable force flow, then the strength and stability are improved, but the ease of maintenance and access to components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic pivot connection instead of a fixed connection. The centering element can rotate around the pivot axis, allowing the transition bridge to be easily dismantled and reassembled for maintenance while maintaining stable force flow during operation. The pivot axis remains fixed, providing structural stability, while the centering element's rotational capability enables easy maintenance access.
3Strength
If the transition bridge is designed with limited rotation capability to maintain structural integrity, then the strength and stability are improved, but the ease of operation for maintenance and access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis is designed to allow unlimited rotation of the centering element while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic connection enables the transition bridge to be easily operated for maintenance purposes without compromising the strength and stability of the structure during normal operation.
4Strength
If the transition bridge is designed with complex connection mechanisms to ensure stable force flow, then the strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the connection mechanism by extracting the essential force flow transmission function and implementing it through a simple pivot axis that passes through the centering element. This eliminates complex connection mechanisms while ensuring stable force flow and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot axis serves multiple functions: it transmits forces, allows rotation for maintenance, and provides a simple connection mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex components, making the transition bridge easier to manufacture and install.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a transition bridge (10) for providing a transition between a first vehicle part (12) and a second vehicle part (14) of a vehicle (16), wherein the first vehicle part (12) has a first end wall (20) and the second vehicle part (14) has a second end wall (22), comprising at least one centering element (341, 342) with a first end (361, 362) and a second end (381, 382), at least one first base plate (281, 282), at least one second base plate (321, 322) and at least one step plate (301, 302), which are connected to the centering element (341, 342) in a plate plane (PE) so as to be movable, a step plate (301, 302) fastened to the first end wall (20) or cooperating with the first end wall (20) and extending within the plate plane (PE) or parallel to the plate plane (PE), Rotation axis (T1, T2), wherein for the rotatable connection of the centering element (341, 342) to the first end wall (20) the rotation axis (T1,T2) passes through the centering element (341, 342) at the first end (361, 362). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle (16) with such a transition bridge (10).