Step Bolt Connector Assembly for Tower Climbing Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical hardware solutions for reinforcing structures like cell phone towers do not efficiently create a step for worker access, as they leave exposed bolts and nuts, which can be hazardous and unsuitable for climbing.
Innovation Solution
A step bolt connector assembly that secures bolts with exposed threaded ends and nuts, featuring a cylindrical and truncated conical design to form a step, with a recess to shield nuts and a sight hole for secure attachment verification, allowing for safe and comfortable worker access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional blind bolts and nuts are used to reinforce structures, then structural reinforcement is achieved, but exposed threaded bolts and nuts create safety hazards and are unsuitable for climbing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural reinforcement function with the climbing step function into a single integrated assembly. The blind bolt assembly includes both the reinforcement bolt with nut and an integrated step component, merging two separate functions (structural support and worker access) into one unified solution that eliminates exposed fasteners while providing both reinforcement and safe climbing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a step component as an intermediary element that covers and shields the exposed bolt and nut. This step component acts as a mediator between the structural reinforcement requirement and the worker safety requirement, hiding the harmful exposed fasteners while providing a safe climbing surface
2Ease of operation
If a step structure is added to the bolt assembly, then worker access and climbing safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step component is integrated directly with the blind bolt assembly, combining the fastening function and the step function into a single manufactured unit. This integration reduces the number of separate components that would need to be assembled and eliminates the complexity of adding a separate step structure to an existing bolt assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The blind bolt assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: structural reinforcement of the tower and provision of a safe climbing step. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system by having one assembly that accomplishes both objectives
Data Source
AI summary
A step bolt connector and bolt assembly creates steps on a structure for accommodating a worker's boot. A first threaded bore is formed in a cylindrical end of a step bolt connector and this first threaded bore is threaded onto an exposed bolt on a structure. A sight hole extends from the exterior of the connector to the inward end of the first threaded bore for visually checking to see if the bolt is adequately attached in the first bore. A recess is formed in the cylindrical end and the recess is dimensioned to fit over fastening nut on the exposed bolt on the structure. When the first threaded bore is screwed onto the exposed bolts on the structure, the recess at least partially surrounds shields and protects the fastening nut on the exposed end of the bolt. A second threaded bore is formed in a second end (a truncated conical end) of the connector, and a step bolt is secured in the second threaded bore. The step bolt is dimensioned so that the step bolt when fastened to the connector forms a step on the structure having a length greater than the width of the workers boot. In this manner, a convenient step is formed on the structure for use in climbing the structure to perform repairs, maintenance or modifications.