Magnetic Bracket for Steel Structure Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fastening methods for communication and electrical equipment on elevated structures are unsafe, obstructive, and costly, causing maintenance and structural issues, and fail to securely attach to curved or angled surfaces, leading to corrosion and abrasion problems.
Innovation Solution
A bracket with angled or pivotable legs that match the radius or angle of the structure, equipped with magnetic pads and a low aspect ratio design for improved surficial contact and stability, allowing secure attachment using snap-in fasteners or clamps, and the option to interconnect brackets for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional fastening methods (direct fastening to ladders, ladder cages, hand rails) are used, then immediate solution for equipment fastening is provided, but unsafe working conditions are created by obstructing and encumbering movement and rescue throughout access areas
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the communication equipment from the worker access structures (ladders, hand rails) and relocates it to dedicated mounting surfaces (steel structures, towers). This separation eliminates the obstruction problem while maintaining equipment fastening capability, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and worker safety.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening methods (welding or banding of communication brackets) are used, then communication devices can be fastened onto steel structures, but high cost and additional safety, structural, and maintenance issues are associated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical welding system with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic bracket uses magnetic force to attach communication equipment to steel structures without welding or permanent modification, eliminating the need for expensive welding operations, specialized equipment, and certification while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic bracket is a temporary, non-permanent solution that can be easily removed and repositioned. Instead of permanent welding that requires expensive repair and coating restoration, the magnetic bracket can be relocated to a C.O.W. or other structure without causing structural damage or requiring costly maintenance of the steel coating.
3Ease of operation
If weld-fastening coated steel stand-off brackets are used, then communication equipment can be fastened away from access areas, but expensive, time intensive installation requiring specialized equipment and certification is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex welding system with a simple magnetic attachment system. The magnetic bracket requires no specialized equipment, certification, or time-intensive preparation. Workers can simply attach the magnetic bracket to the steel structure and mount the equipment, dramatically reducing installation complexity while maintaining proper equipment positioning away from access areas.
4Strength
If weld-fastening onto coated steel structures is performed, then firm attachment is achieved, but abrasive removal of coatings and steel is required creating breach in corrosion resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces welding with magnetic attachment, eliminating the need to remove protective coatings from steel structures. The magnetic bracket attaches firmly to the coated steel surface without causing abrasion or breaching the corrosion-resistant coating, thus maintaining the integrity of the steel structure while achieving strong attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the bracket and the steel structure, providing strong attachment force without direct mechanical contact that would cause abrasion or coating damage. This intermediary magnetic force allows firm attachment while preserving the protective coating and preventing corrosion.
5Strength
If high temperatures induced from welding and grinding are applied, then steel brackets can be fastened to structure, but burning of coatings near weld area occurs requiring extensive repair
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the thermal welding process with a magnetic attachment process that generates no heat. This eliminates coating burning and the extensive repair work required, including grinding affected areas to fresh steel and re-applying multiple coating layers. The magnetic bracket achieves strong attachment without any thermal damage to the protective coating.
6Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used during steel structure maintenance, then communication equipment remains fastened, but surface preparation and coating obstruction occur preventing proper corrosion repair
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic bracket provides a dynamic, temporary attachment solution that can be easily moved or removed during steel structure maintenance. Unlike permanent welded brackets, the magnetic bracket can be relocated to a C.O.W. or other structure, allowing complete access to the steel surface for corrosion repair and coating application without obstruction from communication equipment.
7Reliability
If traditional fastening connections are used, then equipment can be attached, but abrasion and corrosion are induced to steel structure through cyclic abrasive action
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical fastening connections (clamps, bolts, welds) with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic bracket distributes the attachment force across a larger surface area through magnetic attraction, eliminating the concentrated cyclic abrasive action that occurs at mechanical contact points. This prevents abrasion and corrosion of the steel structure while maintaining reliable equipment mounting.
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 solution provides a safe, cost-effective, and secure fastening system that reduces obstruction, minimizes corrosion risks, and withstands external forces, while maintaining the integrity of the structure's coating and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic pad is comprised of a magnet firmly embedded into a corresponding socket. The magnet is solidly fixed in the steel socket, and the bracket can then be magnetically secured to a structure comprising a ferrous material through magnetic force.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket and a cable mounting system which includes a bracket with a center panel or channel and with magnetic pads located on the distal ends of the center panel or channel so that the bracket may be attached to a structure by magnetic attraction. The cable mounting system may also consist of two brackets set a distance apart and a support rail placed in between and coupled to the brackets.