Modular Telecommunication Tower With Earth Concrete Cladding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telecommunications towers face challenges in integration into urban and rural environments due to short lifespan materials, high carbon footprint, difficult and expensive maintenance, and one-piece structures that complicate assembly and manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A modular telecommunications pylon composed of stacked earth concrete modules with a supporting structure and hoops that transfer weight, allowing for adjustable height, ecological sustainability, and simplified maintenance, using sprayed earth concrete that is flexible and does not deplete ecological reserves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If plastic panels are used to cover telecommunications towers, then the towers can be manufactured and assembled, but the lifespan is short and the carbon footprint is high

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelifespanVSAvoidcarbon footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from synthetic plastic to natural earth concrete, fundamentally altering the chemical composition and physical properties of the cladding material to achieve environmental sustainability and extended lifespan

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite earth concrete material composed of natural earth, water, and binding agents, combining multiple natural components to create a durable, environmentally friendly cladding system that replaces synthetic materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If a single-block lattice structure with monobloc veil is used, then the tower structure is complete, but the maintenance is difficult and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the tower into modular segments with interchangeable cladding panels, allowing individual sections to be accessed, removed, and replaced independently without dismantling the entire structure, thus simplifying maintenance operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If synthetic cladding in the shape of a tree is used, then the tower blends into the environment, but the maintenance is frequent and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental integrationVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from synthetic tree-shaped cladding to natural earth concrete, altering both the aesthetic appearance and physical properties to achieve environmental blending while eliminating the maintenance issues associated with synthetic materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If a monobloc structure is used, then the tower is structurally complete, but the assembly is difficult and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tower structure into standardized modular units that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site through simple connection mechanisms, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity through proper joint design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 modular design facilitates easy assembly and adaptation to environments, offers a long lifespan, and reduces maintenance costs while providing ecological benefits and improved stability.

Implementation Method 1

the earth concrete cladding being projected onto said cladding support and covering it at least in part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpray projection: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

said first and second hoops being configured to transfer at least part of the weight of the earth concrete cladding to the supporting structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWeight transfer: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4477820A1Telecommunication tower comprising at least two stacked modules
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 ART & FACT INNOVATION
  • EP4477820A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4477820A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4477820A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a pylon comprising at least two stacked modules (3) comprising: a load-bearing structure (4), a shotcrete cladding (5) and a cladding support (6), said cladding support (6) comprising two hoops (70, 71), the first and second hoops (70, 71) of the stacked modules (3) being opposite each other, the first hoop (70) and the second hoop (71) being respectively connected to each of the ends of the load-bearing structure (4), the shotcrete cladding (5) being shot onto said cladding support (6) and covering it at least in part and said hoops (70, 71) being configured to transfer at least part of the weight of the shotcrete cladding (5) to the load-bearing structure (4).