Self-Erecting Jacking Tower Modular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-erecting tower technologies face challenges in efficiently and safely assembling large-scale modular structures for construction sites, particularly in ensuring stability and ease of deployment for applications like installing overhead cranes in industrial and nuclear power plants.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a modular assembly system using a lift assembly with scissors lift mechanism, rail cart, and strand jacks to progressively assemble and couple top, middle, and bottom module assemblies, ensuring stability through mating components and safety catch mechanisms, allowing for efficient and controlled height adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional modular sections are assembled and stacked vertically to form large-scale towers, then the tower height and load capacity are improved, but the assembly complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is divided into modular sections that can be assembled incrementally. Each module includes standardized components (outer frame, inner frame, lifting mechanisms) that can be independently manufactured and then combined through standardized coupling interfaces, reducing overall assembly complexity while achieving significant height
Solution Approach 2:
The inner frame is nested within the outer frame, and smaller components are nested within larger ones. This nested configuration allows compact storage and transport of modules while enabling systematic assembly where inner components are installed first, followed by outer components, simplifying the assembly process
2Power
If modular sections are assembled vertically to increase tower height, then the lifting capacity is improved, but the assembly time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Modules are pre-assembled on the ground with preliminary coupling of components before being lifted into position. The inner frames are pre-positioned within outer frames, and preliminary bolting is performed at ground level, allowing faster final assembly once modules are stacked vertically
Solution Approach 2:
A lifting mechanism acts as an intermediary device to efficiently transfer modules from ground level to their final vertical positions. This intermediary system enables rapid module placement without requiring complex manual assembly at height, significantly improving assembly productivity
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tower structure is made more complex to ensure stability during self-erection, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of deployment and assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tower structure transitions from a static design to a dynamic self-erecting system. Modules are designed to be initially simple for easy deployment, then actively transformed into a stable configured structure through controlled lifting and coupling operations using integrated lifting mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The tower is designed to erect itself through self-service mechanisms where each module contains its own lifting and coupling systems. The structure performs its own assembly operation by using the lifting mechanism to raise subsequent modules into position and couple them automatically, eliminating the need for external heavy equipment and simplifying deployment
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 approach enables rapid, safe, and stable self-erection of towers, facilitating the installation of overhead cranes and other heavy components in industrial and nuclear power plants by ensuring precise alignment and secure coupling of modules, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
raising the top module assembly with the scissors lift assembly
Implementation Method 2
The strand jacks are extendable and retractable, and are configured to raise and lower the inner frame relative to the outer frame
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method of self-erecting a jacking tower includes extending a lift assembly, inserting a first module assembly below the extended lift assembly, lowering the lift assembly around the first module assembly, engaging the lift assembly with the first module assembly, extending the lift assembly with the first module assembly engaged, inserting a second module assembly below the extended lift assembly, lowering the lift assembly, and coupling the first and second module assemblies.