Mast Support Plate Stability Diagnosis via Load Curves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for checking the stability and mechanical behavior of mast support systems with a shaft secured to a foundation block via anchor rods do not effectively identify disorders in systems where the shaft is not directly anchored, but rather integral with stiffening gussets and supported by a plate anchored by rods.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of increasing and decreasing horizontal forces to measure lateral deviations, analyzing the loading and unloading curves to determine parameters such as linearity, slope changes, and residual displacements to assess the condition of the mast support system, including the foundation block, support plate, gussets, and anchor rods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the shaft is anchored directly in the foundation block, then the structural stability is improved, but the complexity of the support system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsupport system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into separate functional components: the shaft, the support plate, the anchor rods, and the foundation block. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall stability, resolving the contradiction between stability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate acts as an intermediary element between the shaft and the anchor rods. It distributes the loads from the shaft across multiple anchor rods, providing stable anchoring without requiring direct shaft-to-foundation connection, thus reducing structural complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple anchor rods are used to fix the support plate, then the reliability of the anchoring is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring disorders increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring reliabilityVSAvoiddetecting anchoring disorders
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs visual indicators or markers on the support plate or anchor rods that change appearance (analogous to color changes) when subjected to excessive loads or deformation. This allows the state of individual anchor rods and the overall anchoring system to be easily detected and measured without complex instrumentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate and anchor rods are designed with self-diagnostic capabilities through visible stress indicators or measurement markings that automatically reveal the state of the anchoring system under load, eliminating the need for complex external measurement devices and simplifying the detection of disorders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If the support plate is rigidly fixed to the foundation block, then the strength of the connection is improved, but the serviceability for periodic checks is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidserviceability for periodic checks
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate is designed with a dynamic connection system that allows it to be easily accessed, removed, or adjusted during periodic checks while maintaining rigid fixation during operation. The connection between the support plate and foundation block incorporates movable or removable elements that provide strength when needed and accessibility when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach allows for the identification of pathologies in the mast support system, including issues with anchoring, material plasticity, and structural integrity, ensuring the system's safety and serviceability under external loads like wind.

Implementation Method 1

A linear function of the force with respect to the deflection (or a straight curve) is interpreted as meaning a deformation of the mast in the elastic deformation zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The variation of the deviation with respect to the force can be modeled as a mathematical function or, visually, by a graph in which the force is identified by the ordinate axis and the deviation by the abscissa axis or conversely, the curve being representative of said function. Such a curve corresponds to the stiffness of the system, and is similar, in its linear part and when the anchoring is stable, to Hooke's law.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHooke's law: Hooke's Law

Implementation Method 3

a shaft secured, with or without stiffening gussets, to a support plate fixed to a foundation block by a plurality of sealing rods, which are anchored in the foundation block and pass through a plurality of slots of the support plate distributed around the shaft, the nuts and - where applicable, counter nuts - being screwed on their projecting parts above the support plate and tightened on its upper face with associated washers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2098847B1Control of the mechanical behaviour of a support system with mast comprising a shaft solidly attached to a support plate fixed to a foundation block by a plurality of foundation bolts.
Publication Date: 2012.01.18 ROCH SERVICE
  • EP2098847B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2098847B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2098847B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves determining a set of parameters from quasi linear and parallel loading and unloading curves in a subsequent phase. The parameters are interpreted for drawing a conclusion on a state of an anchored mast support system. Contingent pathologies of a mast (3) with a strut, and/or constitutive elements of a mast assembly system are determined, where the assembly system comprises contingent semi-rigid sole plates, nuts, ring washers and foundation blocks. The curves and a small residual displacement are interpreted by signifying that the support system is normal. An independent claim is also included for a device for implementing a mechanical behavior controlling method.