Modular Helical Tower Assembly for Crane-Free Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Constructing structures in areas where helicopters and large cranes cannot be used is challenging due to logistical constraints.
Innovation Solution
A modular, spiral-shaped screw tower composed of interconnected helical windings and stair elements, allowing vehicle and pedestrian access, which can be assembled without cranes or helicopters, featuring a design that prevents accidental vehicle roll-off and supports additional construction equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional construction methods using cranes and helicopters are used, then construction speed and efficiency are improved, but the ability to construct in inaccessible areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is divided into multiple transportable modules that can be assembled sequentially. Each module contains pre-assembled components (beam elements, floor elements, wall elements) that can be transported to inaccessible locations and connected to form the complete tower structure, eliminating the need for cranes or helicopters.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower is designed with a spiral configuration where modules are connected in a helical pattern around a central axis. This three-dimensional arrangement allows modules to be assembled from the ground up in a self-supporting manner, enabling construction in areas where traditional vertical lifting equipment cannot operate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular design is used to enable assembly without cranes, then adaptability to inaccessible areas is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The module connection system is designed to be universal, with standardized connection elements that can join different module types (beam elements, floor elements, wall elements) using the same connection mechanism. This reduces the variety of connection hardware needed and simplifies the assembly process despite the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are merged into integrated module assemblies. Each module combines structural support elements, flooring, wall sections, and connection hardware into a single transportable unit, reducing the total number of separate components and simplifying the overall assembly process.
3Length of stationary object
If tall tower height is achieved through modular stacking, then structure height is improved, but stability and risk of accidental roll-off deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tower employs a spiral configuration where modules are arranged in a helical pattern around a central axis rather than simple vertical stacking. This curved, self-interlocking geometry provides inherent lateral stability and prevents vehicle roll-off, while the spiral shape distributes loads more evenly throughout the structure as height increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral module design allows lower modules to support and constrain upper modules in a nested arrangement. Each module is positioned within the structural envelope of the modules below it, creating a self-bracing system that enhances stability at greater heights without requiring additional external bracing.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a helical tower (10) comprising a plurality of helical tower coils (11) connected to each other in a helical manner for travel by a vehicle (12), wherein each of said tower coils (11) is formed of a plurality of interconnected coil modules (13), which also interconnect adjacent tower windings (11), and wherein a respective upper tower windings (11) is mountable by a respective lower tower windings (11) by connecting further winding modules (13).