Lattice System Connecting Element for Variable Angling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting lattice systems to telescopic boom heads are limited in flexibility and ease of operation, particularly in achieving multiple angling possibilities with single-handed operation or simple mechanical aids.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element comprising two adjustable butt straps of varying lengths or configurations, allowing for variable angle adjustments between upper and lower chords of a lattice system and a telescopic boom head, enabling multiple angling options through bolted connections and central or end-point fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single rigid connecting element is used to connect upper chords to the telescopic boom head, then structural simplicity is maintained, but flexibility in achieving multiple angling possibilities is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into two separate butt straps instead of using a single rigid connector. Each butt strap can be independently positioned and connected to the upper chords, allowing for variable angling configurations while maintaining structural integrity through modular segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure transitions from a fixed rigid element to a dynamic configurable system. The two butt straps can be positioned at different locations on the upper chords and connected at various points, enabling the lattice system to be angled at multiple different angles depending on operational requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection points and adjustable butt straps are used to achieve variable angling, then adaptability is improved, but the difficulty of single-handed operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The butt straps are pre-configured with multiple connection points and bore arrangements during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the field operator to simply select and connect the appropriate points without complex adjustments, maintaining ease of operation while enabling multiple angling configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The two butt straps act as intermediary elements between the upper chords and the telescopic boom head. They provide a simplified interface that mediates the connection process, allowing variable angling to be achieved through straightforward bolting operations rather than complex mechanical adjustments
3Ease of manufacture
If direct bolting of upper chords to the telescopic boom head is used, then ease of assembly is improved, but flexibility in angling configuration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The direct bolting connection is segmented into two separate butt strap components that can be independently positioned. This segmentation maintains assembly simplicity through standard bolting operations while introducing the flexibility to achieve multiple angling configurations by selecting different connection points
Solution Approach 2:
The connection geometry is made variable by changing the positional parameters of the butt straps. The straps can be connected at different points on the upper chords and to different points on the telescopic boom head, allowing the angling parameter to be adjusted while maintaining ease of assembly through consistent bolting procedures
Data Source
AI summary
An element is provided for connecting the chords of a lattice system, which consists of upper chords and lower chords, between which struts and/or stays are arranged, to a telescopic boom head. Thereby, the lower chords are directly connected to the telescopic boom head by means of bolts, while the upper chords can be connected to the telescopic boom head by a connecting element of variable length in such a way that—with respect to the connection of the lower chords—the upper chords can be connected to one another at a variable angle, and wherein the connecting element consists of two butt straps which can each be fastened at one end of mutually facing ends of the upper chords and can be connected to one another at different points.