Modular Telecommunications Tower with Segmented Lattice Framework

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lattice towers for telecommunications and similar applications are expensive, heavy, lack flexibility, and pose accessibility issues due to complex assembly, limited modularity, and immobility once constructed.

Innovation Solution

A modular tower structure composed of vertically coupled tubular modules with a lattice framework, allowing adjustable height, easy expansion, and independent operator access, featuring a central tube, perimeter uprights, and horizontal rings for secure anchoring and equipment mounting, with separated wiring for operator independence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional lattice towers are used to support telecommunications equipment, then structural strength and stability are achieved, but the towers become expensive and heavy due to complex assembly and manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidtower weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tower is divided into multiple standardized modules (e.g., 2.5m or 5m sections) that can be manufactured separately and assembled vertically. Each module contains standardized lattice structures with mounting points, allowing the tower to be built from discrete, lightweight components rather than as a single heavy structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction combining lightweight materials with high strength-to-weight ratios in the lattice framework. The modular design allows optimization of material distribution, using stronger materials only where structurally necessary while maintaining overall tower strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional lattice towers are constructed with complex assembly, then structural stability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the tower into standardized modules with identical connection interfaces, the patent enables parallel manufacturing and simplified assembly. Each module can be manufactured independently using the same processes, reducing tooling costs and enabling economies of scale.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design creates universal components that serve multiple functions: structural support, equipment mounting, and potential reconfiguration. The standardized flange connections and lattice patterns allow the same modules to be used in various tower configurations and heights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If the tower structure is fixed and finished, then structural integrity is maintained, but adaptability and expandability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidexpandability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamically adaptable tower system where modules can be added, removed, or reconfigured. The standardized connection interfaces enable the tower to evolve over time, allowing operators to increase height, change configurations, or add equipment without compromising structural integrity through proven connection designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design incorporates pre-configured mounting points, connection interfaces, and structural elements during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of attachment points and standardized interfaces enables future expansion and equipment installation without requiring structural modifications or compromising integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If equipment is installed on conventional towers, then telecommunications function is achieved, but accessibility for maintenance and installation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment functionalityVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates horizontal platforms at multiple levels within the modular structure, creating additional access dimensions. These platforms provide safe working surfaces for technicians to access equipment mounted on the lattice structure, eliminating the need for dangerous climbing and manual handling at height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

5Productivity

If the tower structure is shared between several operators, then resource utilization is improved, but accessibility and wiring management become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidwiring management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular lattice structure provides naturally segmented pathways and mounting zones that can be allocated to different operators. Each operator can have dedicated equipment bays, wiring channels, and access points within the shared tower, simplifying management while maintaining shared infrastructure benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4001550B1Lightweight modular tower for telecommunications equipment
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 TENLLADO INFRAESTRUCTURAS SL
  • EP4001550B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4001550B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4001550B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tower that is made up of a series of modules wherein a vertical central tube (1) and a series of perimeter uprights (2) participate, which are linked together by means of horizontal rings (6), concentric to the central tube (1), an enveloping structure that is linked to the central tube through a lattice in which diagonal bars (4) and horizontal bars (3) participate which are distributed forming three vertical planes equiangularly distributed over the central tube (1) defining three independent holes, at least one of them equipped with a ladder (13) associated with the central tube (1), so that the modules can be linked together by means of flanges (7), forming a modular structure of modifiable height, and which is finished at the top in a top module (9), determining the very middle uprights (2) for fixing the telecommunications equipment (14).