Monopole Platform Upper Rail Support with Adjustable Pedestals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing platform assemblies for utility and communication poles face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and accommodating variations in equipment sizes and mounting orientations, particularly due to inconsistent vertical mounting pipe heights, which lead to variable stresses and instability.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of vertical corner pedestals between platforms and corner connection plates, which are bolted to upper and lower rails, provides increased stability and allows the platform assembly to accommodate variations in vertical pipe heights, thereby distributing loads effectively without adding excessive weight or components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vertical mounting pipes are used to connect upper and lower rails, then the platform can be assembled, but variations in pipe heights cause variable stresses and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter from fixed pipe height to adjustable pedestal height. The pedestals are designed with varying lengths to accommodate different vertical distances between upper and lower rails, thereby eliminating variable stresses while maintaining structural integrity. This allows the platform to adapt to equipment variations without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustability into the vertical support structure. Instead of fixed-length mounting pipes, the pedestals can be selected or adjusted to match the specific vertical spacing requirements, making the system adaptable to different configurations while maintaining consistent structural performance.
2Reliability
If additional components are added to stabilize the platform, then structural integrity improves, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical pedestals serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, accommodate height variations, distribute loads, and stabilize the triangular arrangement of upper rails. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stabilizing components, maintaining structural integrity without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of vertical support and stabilization into a single component system. The pedestals are integrated with the corner connection plates and rails to form a unified structural assembly that provides both support and stability without requiring additional separate components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vertical pedestals are added to accommodate pipe height variations, then adaptability improves, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using heavy adjustable mechanisms, the patent changes the approach by providing multiple pedestal options with fixed, optimized lengths. Each pedestal is designed for specific height requirements, allowing adaptability to different vertical spacings while maintaining lightweight construction through efficient material usage and simplified designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform assembly, such as for a utility or communications monopole, can include a central mounting bracket, such as can be configured for mounting about a monopole. One or more or at least three platforms can extend laterally from the central mounting bracket. One or more or at least three lower rails can extend between adjacent pairs of the platforms. One or more or at least three upper rails can be located above respective lower rails. A plurality of vertical mounting pipes can interconnect respective upper rails to corresponding lower rails. Such vertical mounting pipes can support the respective upper rails with respect to the corresponding lower rails. One or more or at least three corner connection plates can extend between adjacent upper rails. A vertical support pedestal can connect at least one of the corner connection plates to an underlying one of the one or more or at least three platforms.