Fillable Counterweight Element With Adjustable Legs for Temporary Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stabilizing temporary metal structures, such as concert stages and fairs, face challenges with traditional counterweights that are bulky, difficult to transport, require skilled labor, and may damage the ground, while alternative methods like anchoring are not always feasible and increase structure weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A counterweight element with a base, adjustable legs, and anchorage points, designed for modular trusses, which can be filled with water or concrete, and equipped with LED lighting and solar energy options, allowing versatile stabilization without ground damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional heavy counterweights (concrete or steel) are used, then stability is improved, but transportability and installation ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic jack system to lift and position the counterweight element onto the temporary structure. The hydraulic mechanism provides mechanical advantage, enabling workers to move and install heavy counterweights with minimal effort, thus resolving the contradiction between stability (heavy weight) and ease of operation (transportability).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a steel beam with I-section as an intermediary element between the counterweight and the temporary structure. This beam acts as a lever and support mechanism, facilitating the placement and adjustment of the counterweight without requiring direct manual handling of the heavy mass, thereby improving both transportability and installation ease while maintaining stability.
2Reliability
If precise placement of counterweights is performed, then stability is improved, but installation time and labor skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight element is pre-assembled with integrated stabilization features including protrusions that fit into corresponding recesses on the temporary structure. This preliminary configuration ensures automatic correct positioning upon installation, eliminating the need for time-consuming precise placement adjustments by skilled workers.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates self-aligning features where the counterweight element automatically positions itself correctly through its geometric configuration (protrusions and recesses). This self-service mechanism reduces dependency on skilled labor for precise placement and significantly decreases installation time while maintaining stability.
3Reliability
If ground anchoring is used, then stability is improved, but ground damage and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a counterweight element that provides stabilization through gravitational force rather than ground anchoring. The heavy counterweight creates a stabilizing moment that counteracts the forces acting on the temporary structure, eliminating the need for ground stakes or bolts that could cause ground damage, especially in paved or rocky terrains.
4Reliability
If reinforcement structures are added, then stability is improved, but structure weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the stabilization function from the main temporary structure by using a distinct counterweight element. This segmentation allows the counterweight to be added or removed independently without modifying the complexity of the main structure, providing stability while keeping the overall system design simple and modular.
Data Source
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AI summary
A counterweight element for use in the assembly of temporary structures (E), designed to provide stabilisation against dynamic and static loads. It comprises a prismatic base (1) with side faces (5), upper face (6) and lower face (7), which delimits an internal core (8) intended to house a filling element, such as concrete or water. The upper face (6) incorporates anchorage points (2) for coupling with temporary structures (E), including truss or Layher® type configurations. From the lower face (7) projecting legs (3) are height adjustable by means of a threaded rod (10) that can be moved in an adjustment channel (11). The base (1) includes supports (4), preferably lugs, located near the corners of the upper face (6), which facilitate gripping and transport. Optionally, it incorporates a through housing (9) between the upper face (6) and the lower face (7). The base (1) can be made of iron with a rectangular prismatic geometry.