Modular Tower Assembly Using Nested Sections and Former

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly and disassembly of mobile amusement rides with towers typically require heavy machinery and significant manpower, especially for high towers, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the sequential assembly and disassembly of tower sections using a winch system and pneumatic or hydraulic rams mounted on a transportable former, allowing for the construction of towers without the need for heavy cranes, with prefabricated sections that can be nested for transport and easily connected and disconnected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If heavy cranes and heavy plant are used to erect and disassemble high towers, then the tower can be assembled and disassembled, but the process requires considerable manpower and heavy machinery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tower is divided into multiple sections that can be assembled and disassembled independently. Each section can be handled by smaller lifting equipment rather than requiring a single heavy crane to move the entire tower structure, thereby reducing the complexity and weight of required assembly equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Tower sections are designed to nest within each other during transport and storage. The smaller sections fit inside larger sections, creating a compact configuration that reduces transport requirements and simplifies the assembly process by pre-organizing components in a space-efficient manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If heavy cranes are used to erect high towers, then the tower can be constructed to great height, but the process is labor-intensive and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidtime for erection and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Tower sections are pre-assembled and pre-positioned in a nested configuration before the actual tower erection begins. This preliminary preparation work is done on the ground where it is safer and more efficient, reducing the time required during the actual tower assembly operation and improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A former structure serves as an intermediary framework that guides and supports the assembly of tower sections. This former acts as a temporary mediator that holds sections in correct position during assembly, eliminating the need for complex positioning operations and heavy equipment, thereby reducing assembly time and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If the tower is constructed as a single high structure, then riders can enjoy great height, but disassembly requires heavy plant and considerable manpower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetower heightVSAvoidease of disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The high tower is segmented into multiple manageable sections that can be disconnected and removed sequentially. This segmentation transforms the disassembly process from moving an entire heavy structure to handling individual lighter sections, making disassembly easier and requiring less heavy equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tower structure is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow sections to be easily connected and disconnected. The modular design with standardized connection points enables the tower to transition between assembled and disassembled states efficiently, improving ease of operation during disassembly while maintaining the required height when assembled.

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 method enables efficient and self-contained assembly and disassembly of amusement ride towers, reducing the need for heavy machinery and saving time, while allowing for safe temporary disassembly during severe weather conditions.

Implementation Method 1

said raising means comprises a winch system mounted at least partly on said former

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWinch system: Differential Windlass

Implementation Method 2

said raising means comprises at least one pneumatic or hydraulic ram

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic ram: Hydraulic Ram

Implementation Method 3

step a is carried out with the assistance of a pneumatic or hydraulic ram that places the former in an upright position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic or pneumatic ram: Hydraulic Ram

Data Source

PatentEP3042012B1Tower construction
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 PONDORFER WALTER
  • EP3042012B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3042012B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3042012B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A tower is constructed by erecting an upright former (6); assembling a first section (31) of the tower around the former (6); raising the first tower section (31); assembling a second tower section (32) around the former (6); connecting the first and second tower sections (31, 32), and repeating the steps to add further tower sections. Disassembly is the reverse process. The method of assembly is particularly suitable to mobile towers that are transported on road trailers and may be used with advantage with amusement rides.