Formation of Geometrical Structure of Manipulator for Mechanized Bridge

The Army use bridges to cross narrow water and terrain obstacles. The bridges are carried on wheel or caterpillar vehicles then they are laid on obstacle. Generally the bridges are not put by crane, but by special manipulator - called manipulator of mechanized bridge. This manipulator structure depends on kind of bridge and way of its laying.

Independently from constructional solutions, manipulator has large angles of turn of elements (over 180º) and transfer considerable burdens in initial and final stage of laying process. Moreover dimension and mass restrictions for whole mechanized bridge cause that manipulator ought to be compact and light construction.

In paper authors propose methodology of selection of geometrical structure for this type of devices. To accelerate process of searching right structures and geometrical parameters then to enlarge credibility of getting positive results, methods of structural synthesis were chosen. Authors emphasize importance of contemporary solutions in this area which enable preparing of preliminary foundations and requirements.

Authors introduce practical implementation of results on example of Polish new military bridge. Proposed methodology of creation of kinematic structure of mechanized bridges manipulator can be applied to other similar technical devices.