Support structures for transportation systems
AssigneeAecom
InventorsDaniel Smith, Neil Sampson, Sebastien Perrotin, David Munyaka, Liam Thomas, Robert John Bradley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to support structures for transportation systems. In some embodiments, the support structure comprises a self-supporting arch assembly. The self-supporting arch assembly can be configured to support one or more devices in a transportation system, such as an antenna assembly configured to communicate with a train. In other embodiments, the support structure can comprise a hinged mast assembly comprising a hinge assembly and mast coupled to the hinge assembly. A device, such as an antenna assembly can be disposed at a distal portion of the mast.
Claims24
A support structure comprising:
- a self-supporting arch assembly comprising an arch having a curved surface extending from a first end to a second end, the self-supporting arch assembly configured to support one or more devices in a transportation system,
- wherein the arch assembly comprises a plurality of arch members mechanically connected to one another by a plurality of joints disposed between adjacent arch members, the plurality of mechanically connected arch members cooperating to form the curved surface of the arch, and
- wherein each arch member of the plurality of arch members comprises a seamless, monolithic structure.
A support structure comprising a self-supporting arch assembly, the self-supporting arch assembly configured to support one or more devices in a transportation system,
- wherein the arch assembly comprises a plurality of arch members mechanically connected to one another by a plurality of joints disposed between adjacent arch members,
- wherein multiple arch members of the plurality of arch members each has a first end and a second end, the first end having a first engagement feature and the second end having a second engagement feature different from and complementary to the first engagement feature, wherein the first engagement feature comprises a protruding surface and the second engagement feature comprises a recessed surface, wherein a first opening is provided through the first engagement feature and a second opening is provided through the second engagement feature such that the first and second openings are aligned when the protruding and recessed surfaces are engaged.
A support structure configured to support one or more devices in a transportation system, the support structure comprising:
- a base plate;
- a receiver body comprising:
- an inner wall that defines a receiver chamber sized and shaped to receive a mast that supports the one or more devices;
- a hinge element extending radially outward from an outer wall of the receiver body, the hinge element pivotally connected to the base plate;
- and
- a flange at a lower portion of the receiver body, the flange extending circumferentially about the outer wall of the receiver body, and
- one or more fasteners to connect the flange to the base plate,
- wherein the receiver body comprises a seamless, monolithic structure.
An electrical device mounting assembly configured to mount an electrical device to a support structure in a transportation system, the assembly comprising:
- a fitting having a wall that defines an internal channel;
- a ball seat mechanically connected to a lateral side surface of the fitting, with the wall of the fitting between the ball seat and the internal channel;
- a ball joint received within the ball seat and configured to connect to an electrical device, the ball joint configured to rotate relative to the ball seat;
- a nut disposed over the ball joint and connected to the ball seat to laterally constrain the ball joint relative to the balls seat,
- wherein one or more of the fitting, the ball seat, the ball joint, and the nut are seamless, monolithic bodies formed using a three-dimensional (3D) printing process.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.