Adjustable Ballasted Attachment for Truss Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ballast systems for temporary truss structures lack adjustability and efficiency in installation, making it difficult to achieve precise positioning and quick setup in entertainment and outdoor events, as they often require accurate placement and are cumbersome to configure for varying weights and sizes.
Innovation Solution
The Ballasted Attachment for Temporary Truss Structures (BATTS) provides a 1,750-pound steel and aluminum cube with adjustable attachment points and a sliding plate mechanism, allowing for 360-degree adjustability and quicker setup, enabling precise placement within 8 inches of the required location, and accommodating various truss sizes through interchangeable connection points and outriggers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fixed bolt hole locations are used in traditional ballast bases, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the attachment plate movable relative to the ballast base through a sliding mechanism with slots. The attachment plate can slide along the slots to different positions and be secured at any location, transforming a static fixed-hole system into a dynamic adjustable system. This allows the same base to adapt to different truss configurations and placement requirements while maintaining manufacturing precision through defined slot positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the attachment function by separating the ballast base from the attachment plate, allowing independent optimization of each component. The base provides stable ballast while the attachment plate provides adjustable connection points. This segmentation enables the attachment plate to be repositioned without moving the entire heavy base, improving both adaptability and placement accuracy.
2Stability of the object's composition
If heavy ballast bases are used to prevent overturn and uplift, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the heavy ballast base from the lighter attachment plate, the patent makes it easier to handle and position the attachment components without moving the entire heavy base. The attachment plate can be slid and repositioned independently, improving ease of operation while the heavy base remains stationary to provide stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment plate acts as an intermediary between the heavy ballast base and the truss structure. It provides a convenient interface for connection and adjustment without requiring direct handling of the heavy base, making the system easier to operate while maintaining the stabilizing effect of the heavy base.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple attachment locations are provided on ballast bases, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment plate serves multiple functions: it provides multiple attachment points through its slots, allows adjustment to different positions, and can be used with various truss configurations. This single component performs what would otherwise require multiple different attachment devices, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding mechanism with slots provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the attachment plate to be repositioned as needed rather than requiring pre-drilled holes at every possible location. This reduces the overall complexity of the device while maintaining high adaptability to different configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Ballasted Attachment for Temporary Truss Structures or BATTS are used to support Temporary structures typically built in the live event, trade show, and special event marketplace. BATTS provide a quickly deployed, leveled and stable base for which one can mount aluminum box truss too. This allows tower construction equal to the capacity of the truss itself and a flexible outrigger attachment in which many engineering requirements can be achieved. BATTS provide a ballast point to resist the overturn moment and uplift moment of concert roofs and other system that are exposed to environmental conditions. BATTS are constructed from steel and aluminum and possess substantial self-weight.