Detachable Reinforcement Device for Steel Power-Transmission Tower Buckling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Angle-type steel-frame members in steel power-transmission towers are prone to compression buckling and accidental eccentricity, requiring costly and time-consuming reinforcement methods that involve power interruptions and extensive field preparation.

Innovation Solution

A detachable reinforcement device comprising a member seating body, adjustable securing couplers, a horizontal engaging element, and a reinforcing bar that surrounds and supports the angle-type steel-frame member, enhancing its compression buckling strength without disrupting power transmission or requiring member disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If replacement of the steel-frame member with one having a large cross-sectional area or attachment of a plate thereto using a bolt is performed, then compression buckling strength is improved, but power interruption and extensive field preparation are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression buckling strengthVSAvoidpower interruption time and field preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement device is divided into multiple detachable components including a member seating body, securing couplers, a horizontal engaging element, and a supporter with reinforcing bar. These segmented components can be independently assembled and installed around the existing steel-frame member without requiring removal of the original structure or interruption of power lines, thereby maintaining compression buckling strength while avoiding extensive field preparation and power interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement device is designed to be nested around the existing angle-type steel-frame member. The member seating body surrounds the steel-frame member, with securing couplers attached to both the seating body and the steel-frame member ends. This nested configuration allows the reinforcement structure to be installed in situ without disassembling the original member or requiring access to power transmission lines, thus improving compression buckling strength without causing power interruption or requiring extensive field preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If conventional reinforcement operation is performed, then compression buckling strength is improved, but various preceding operations consume considerable time and expenses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression buckling strengthVSAvoidcomplexity of preceding operations
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement device is designed as a pre-assembled unit with all necessary components (member seating body, securing couplers, horizontal engaging element, and supporter with reinforcing bar) prepared in advance. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex field operations such as transmission line bypass, working diagram preparation, and work-plan establishment that are typically required in conventional reinforcement methods. The device can be directly installed around the steel-frame member to improve compression buckling strength without consuming considerable time and expenses on preceding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Weight of moving object

If the angle-type steel-frame member is used in a truss structure, then lightweight and rigid structure is achieved, but the member is vulnerable to compression buckling and accidental eccentricity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure weightVSAvoidresistance to compression buckling and accidental eccentricity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement device creates a composite structural system by combining the existing angle-type steel-frame member with the added reinforcement components (member seating body, securing couplers, horizontal engaging element, and supporter with reinforcing bar). This composite configuration maintains the lightweight advantage of the original truss structure while significantly improving resistance to compression buckling and accidental eccentricity. The reinforcing bar positioned within the supporter provides additional structural support without adding substantial weight, achieving both lightweight construction and enhanced reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2270288B1Reinforcement device for increasing buckling resistance and method of fastening the same
Publication Date: 2013.08.07 KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORP
  • EP2270288B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2270288B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2270288B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A reinforcement device for compression buckling strength and a method of fastening the same are disclosed. The reinforcement device includes a member seating body (100), first and second securing couplers (110,120) being adjustable to meet a standard of the angle-type steel-frame member (200), a horizontal engaging element (130) connecting the first and second securing couplers (110,120) with each other, a supporter (140) and a reinforcing bar (150) connecting the supporter (140) and the horizontal engaging element (130). The reinforcement device prevents an angle-type steel-frame member (200) for a steel-frame structure or a steel power-transmission tower from undergoing compression buckling and accidental eccentricity, and improves compression buckling strength without power interruption of transmission lines, member disassembly, or field preparation.