Helicopter Erection Alignment Frame for Transmission Tower Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently and safely aligning and installing sections of an emergency restoration structure for transmission lines, particularly in high wind regions, using helicopter transportation, where traditional methods are inefficient and pose safety risks due to the need for manual alignment and fastening under the helicopter.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing alignment frames with inclined surfaces and energy-absorbing members, along with hooks and counterweights, to facilitate precise alignment and secure fastening of tower sections during helicopter-assisted assembly, ensuring safe and cost-effective erection of emergency restoration structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sections are lowered using a helicopter, then transportation efficiency is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An alignment frame is introduced as an intermediary device between the helicopter-lowered sections and the ground. The alignment frame includes alignment portions that extend into receiving portions on the sections, providing a mechanical interface that ensures precise alignment during the helicopter transportation and lowering process
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment frame is pre-positioned on the ground at the desired location before the sections are lowered by the helicopter. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the sections are lowered, they automatically align with the pre-positioned alignment frame, solving the alignment precision problem while maintaining transportation efficiency
2Device complexity
If manual alignment and fastening are performed under the helicopter, then device complexity is reduced, but safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment frame and sections are designed with self-aligning features where the alignment portions automatically engage with the receiving portions when the section is lowered. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for workers to manually align sections under the helicopter, improving safety while maintaining simplicity through automatic engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is segmented into separate components: the alignment frame with alignment portions, and the sections with receiving portions. This segmentation allows the alignment function to be performed by the structure itself rather than requiring complex active alignment devices or manual intervention, thereby improving safety without significantly increasing device complexity
3Length of stationary object
If sections are stacked vertically, then structure height is reduced, but alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment portions and receiving portions are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide unique mating features. The alignment portions extend at specific angles and positions that correspond to the receiving portions on the sections, ensuring that only the correct section can be properly aligned and stacked, thereby facilitating vertical stacking while maintaining ease of alignment through the asymmetric interlocking design
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
Enables safe, efficient, and cost-effective alignment and installation of emergency restoration structure sections, reducing safety hazards and operational complexity while maintaining structural integrity in high wind conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorbing member extending away from at least one of the first alignment frame portion or the second alignment frame portion and configured to abut an inner surface of at least one of the first section or the second section
Implementation Method 2
a counterweight coupled to the hook, the hook may be pivotable about a pivot to receive the portion of the at least one of the first alignment frame portion or the second alignment frame portion, and the counterweight may be configured to maintain the first alignment frame portion or the second alignment frame portion captured in a recess of the hook
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for helicopter erection of an emergency restoration structure, and a method of helicopter erection of an emergency restoration structure using the same are provided. An apparatus for helicopter erection of an emergency restoration structure includes a first alignment frame portion attachable to a first section of an emergency restoration structure; a second alignment frame portion attachable to a second section of the emergency restoration structure; an alignment portion arranged on at least one of the first alignment frame portion and the second alignment frame portion; and a hook configured to receive a portion of at least one of the first alignment frame portion and the second alignment frame portion.