Monopole Platform Assembly with Integrated Pipe Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monopole platform assemblies face limitations due to weak connections between platform frame members and horizontal members, leading to potential failure under lateral wind forces and high manufacturing costs associated with clip angles and pivot brackets.
Innovation Solution
A monopole platform assembly design featuring an elongate hollow main support member with orthogonally attached auxiliary support members, grating edge members, and platform connection brackets that securely support horizontal pipe members, providing additional structural support and reducing fabrication costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If clip angles or pivot brackets are used to secure platform frame members to horizontal members, then the connection is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to welding involved in production
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: the platform frame member with integrated connection features and the horizontal member with corresponding mounting features. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler, less expensive processes while maintaining reliable connections through the integrated connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform frame member includes integrated connection features (such as welded plates or built-in mounting structures) that enable self-connection to horizontal members without requiring separate clip angles or pivot brackets. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional specialized components and reduces manufacturing complexity.
2Strength
If clip angles or pivot brackets are used to secure platform frame members to horizontal members, then the connection is achieved, but the connection strength decreases under lateral wind forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection features are merged directly into the platform frame member structure itself, combining the frame member and connection elements into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates weak points at connection interfaces and creates a stronger, more reliable assembly that can better withstand lateral wind forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection design incorporates curved or rounded features that distribute stress more evenly across the connection interface, rather than sharp angular connections that create stress concentration points. This curvature approach enhances the connection's ability to resist lateral forces while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional platform designs are used, then the structure can support workers and equipment, but the fabrication complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform frame members are designed with universal connection features that can accommodate multiple types of horizontal members and mounting configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the variety of specialized components needed, simplifying fabrication while maintaining structural capability to support workers and equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes standardizable parameters and dimensions for connection features, allowing for consistent fabrication processes and reduced complexity. By establishing standard connection parameters, the structure achieves simplicity in manufacturing while maintaining the necessary complexity for structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes monopole platform assembly. The platform assembly includes a frame, the frame including an elongate, hollow main support member of rectangular cross-section, and a plurality of elongate, hollow auxiliary support members of rectangular cross-section attached orthogonally to the main support member; a mounting plate coupled to an end of the main support member; at least two grating edge members coupled to the auxiliary support members; and a grating, the grating being supported by the two grating edge members, the auxiliary support members, and the main support member. The opposing ends of each auxiliary support member extend a distance outwardly passed the grating edge members such that the extended ends of the auxiliary support members are positioned to support a horizontal pipe member. The extended ends of the auxiliary support members each include a feature configured to enable fixing of the horizontal pipe member thereto. Additional platform assemblies are described herein.