Guy Line Connector With Offset Wedges for High-Load Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current guy line connectors for tower support are prone to failure at high loads, are difficult to install, and are expensive, due to their design and materials.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising two bodies connected by threaded rods, with a tapered cavity and wedges that grip the guy line, allowing for tensioning and secure connection to both the ground anchor and the tower, using a wedge driver to push wedges into the cavity for gripping the line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional guy line connectors are used, then connection is provided, but they are prone to failure at high loads and cause necking of the guy line
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate bodies: a first body that contacts the guy line and a second body that contacts the ground anchor or tower. This segmentation allows each body to be optimized for its specific function, with the first body designed to distribute load uniformly across the guy line surface without causing necking, while the second body provides secure anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
A distributed contact surface is introduced as an intermediary between the guy line and the connector body. This distributed contact surface spreads the load over a larger area of the guy line, preventing stress concentration and necking at any single point, thereby improving both reliability and load bearing capacity.
2Reliability
If traditional connectors are used, then connection is provided, but they are difficult and complicated to install
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates adjustable threaded rods that allow dynamic adjustment of the distance between the first and second bodies during installation. This enables the connector to be easily installed and adjusted to fit various guy line lengths and anchor positions, significantly improving installation ease while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the connector into two bodies connected by adjustable threaded rods, the installation process is simplified. Each body can be independently positioned and secured, making the overall installation more straightforward compared to traditional monolithic connectors.
3Reliability
If traditional connectors are used, then connection is provided, but they are expensive to make or use
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the connector into two separate bodies allows for optimized manufacturing of each component. The first body can be manufactured with a distributed contact surface using standard machining operations, while the second body can be manufactured as a simple anchoring component. This segmentation enables the use of cost-effective manufacturing processes while ensuring reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter adjustments in the threaded rods (length, diameter, thread pitch) to optimize the connector for different applications and load requirements. This flexibility enables cost-effective manufacturing by selecting appropriate parameters based on specific needs rather than over-engineering all connectors for maximum load capacity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The connector provides a secure and reliable connection that can withstand high loads, is easier to install, and is cost-effective by distributing tension uniformly along the guy line, reducing the risk of failure and necking.
Implementation Method 1
two or more threaded rods. The first body is connected to the ground anchor or the tower. The second body has a tapered cavity extending therethrough
Implementation Method 2
wedges with a first and second inner arcuate surface having different radii are pushed into the tapered cavity. The first arcuate inner surface may hold the guy line prior to being pushed into the tapered cavity, and the second arcuate inner surface may grip the guy line after the wedges have been pushed into the tapered cavity
Implementation Method 3
The guy line extends through the tapered cavity, and wedges with a first and second inner arcuate surface having different radii are pushed into the tapered cavity. The first and second bodies may be drawn toward each other to tension the guy line
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided for tensioning a guy line and connecting the guy line to a ground anchor or a tower. The connector may include a first body and a second body connected together by two or more threaded rods. The first body is connected to the ground anchor or the tower. The second body has a tapered cavity extending therethrough. The guy line extends through the tapered cavity, and wedges with a first and second inner arcuate surface that are vertically offset from one another are pushed into the tapered cavity. The first arcuate inner surface and the second arcuate inner surface may grip the guy line after the wedges have been pushed into the tapered cavity, while the vertical offsetting of the second arcuate inner surface reduces that stress on the guy line at an end of wedges. The first and second bodies may be drawn toward each other to tension the guy line.