Methods and apparatus for a modular crossing system
AssigneeAta Engineering, Inc.
InventorGareth Rhys Thomas
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A modular crossing system generally includes a set of modules and a set of segments (e.g., bridge segments). Each segment includes a subset of the set of modules, and at least a portion of the set of segments are configured to be rotateably interlocked with a subsequent segment such that the set of segments form a crossing assembly having a deployed state and a collapsed state. Each module of the set of modules may include a hinge pin opening configured to removeably accept one of the set of hinge pins. The set of segments may be rotateably interlocked via the set of hinge pins.
Claims20
A modular crossing system comprising:
- a set of modules;
- and
- a set of segments, each segment comprising a subset of the set of modules;
- wherein at least a portion of the set of segments are configured to be rotateably interlocked with a subsequent segment such that the set of segments form a crossing assembly having a deployed state and a packed state.
An automated method of providing a crossing assembly, comprising:
- providing a set of modules and a set of segments, each segment comprising a subset of the set of modules;
- determining a required span length;
- determining a required deployment method;
- selecting, using a processor, a subset of the set of segments based on the required span length and the required deployment method;
- and
- rotateably interlocking at least a portion of the selected subset of segments to form a crossing assembly having a deployed state and a packed state;
- wherein the crossing assembly is configured to transition from the packed state to the deployed state in accordance with the required deployment method;
- and
- wherein the crossing assembly is configured to achieve the required span length in the deployed state.
A modular bridge system comprising:
- a plurality of bridge segments, each bridge segment comprising a plurality of segments;
- and
- a plurality of hinge pins;
- wherein at least a portion of the plurality of segments are configured to removeably accept one or more of the hinge pins such that the plurality of segments are rotateably interlocked to form a bridge assembly having a deployed state and a packed state;
- and
- wherein the plurality of segments are selected such that the bridge assembly, in the deployed state, fulfills predetermined criteria including at least one of span length, load category, deployment method, and shipping constraints.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.