Anchor Bracket for Monopole Reinforcement via Direct Foundation Anchorage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for modifying monopole structures to support heavier antennas in LTE or 4G networks often require excessive and costly welding to transfer forces effectively from added steel elements to the foundation, which can be unreliable and pose fire risks due to the presence of flammable equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising reinforcing bars with load transfer connectors and an anchor bracket that secures directly to the foundation, reducing the need for extensive welding by providing a direct connection between the reinforcing bars and the concrete foundation, using a tube and stiffener plate to bypass or modify the existing base plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flat plates are welded directly to the base plate or original base plate weld, then the installation is simpler, but the reliability is insufficient and the effect on base plate and anchor bolts is ignored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base plate intermediary component that mediates between the flat plate reinforcement and the original base plate. This intermediary base plate provides a dedicated welding surface and anchor bolt attachment point, ensuring proper force transfer without compromising the original base plate or anchor bolts. The intermediary acts as a buffer that distributes loads appropriately.
2Reliability
If flat plates are welded to the pole shaft with vertical stiffener plates, then the force transfer is more effective, but the total weld length exceeds 20 ft per location which is costly and difficult to complete to adequate quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the welding operation from the field installation process and relocates it to the shop environment. The complete assembly including flat plates, vertical stiffener plates, and base plate intermediary is pre-welded and pre-assembled in a controlled shop setting. This extraction eliminates the need for extensive field welding (over 20 ft per location), reducing both cost and quality control issues while maintaining effective force transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary assembly and welding of all reinforcement components before field installation. The flat plates, stiffener plates, and base plate intermediary are pre-positioned and pre-welded together in the correct configuration. This preliminary action ensures proper spacing and alignment, and eliminates the need for complex field welding operations.
3Strength
If extensive welding is performed in the field, then the connection is achieved, but the cost increases and fire risk increases due to flammable equipment presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the welding process from the field environment where flammable equipment is present and relocates it entirely to the shop environment. All welding operations are completed before the assembly is transported to the installation site. This extraction eliminates the fire hazard associated with field welding while maintaining the required connection strength through proper shop welding procedures.
4Strength
If monopoles are modified by adding steel elements, then the structural capacity increases to support heavier antennas, but the modification becomes more complex since bolting must be done from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (flat plates, vertical stiffener plates, base plate intermediary, and anchor bolts) into a single integrated assembly that is pre-assembled in the shop. This merging of components into a unified pre-assembled unit simplifies the field modification process, as the entire reinforcement system can be installed as one unit from the outside, rather than requiring separate bolting operations for each component.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor bracket is secured to monopole reinforcing bars. The anchor bracket optionally includes a stiffener plate attached to the reinforcement plate. The stiffener plate is also attached to a hollow tube. An anchor passes through the tube of the anchor bracket and into the foundation of the monopole being reinforced.