Threaded Helical Strake Attachment for Weld-Free Tubular Poles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching helical strakes to tubular members require labor-intensive and costly welding processes, which are undesirable due to potential shipping damage and handling concerns.
Innovation Solution
A helical strake pole system utilizing couplers with threaded attachment points that allow for removable and adjustable attachment of helical strakes to tubular members without welding, accommodating taper and inconsistencies in the strakes and tubular members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to attach helical strakes to tubular members, then the attachment strength is improved, but the construction time and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling device as an intermediary component between the helical strake and the tubular member. This coupling device features a clamp portion that secures to the strake and a mounting portion that attaches to the tubular member via threaded attachment points, thereby eliminating the need for welding while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: the helical strake, the coupling device with distinct clamp and mounting portions, and threaded attachment points. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled without welding, reducing construction time and labor requirements
2Strength
If helical strakes are pre-welded to tubular members, then the attachment strength is improved, but the risk of shipping damage and handling concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the helical strake from the tubular member, with each component shipped independently. The coupling device acts as a separate component that connects the strake to the member at the installation site, eliminating the risk of shipping damage to pre-welded assemblies and facilitating easier handling of individual components
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves as an intermediary that enables post-assembly attachment. By using this intermediate component with clamp and mounting portions, the strake and tubular member can be attached securely after shipping without damage, maintaining attachment strength while avoiding shipping risks
3Strength
If conventional welding attachment is used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the labor cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is introduced as an intermediary component that provides a non-welding attachment mechanism. It includes a clamp portion for securing the helical strake and a mounting portion with threaded attachment points for connecting to the tubular member, thereby maintaining structural integrity while significantly reducing labor cost and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical fastening system using threaded attachment points and coupling devices. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized welding equipment and skilled welders, reducing labor cost and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A helical strake pole system that includes a tubular pole having a longitudinal axis and threaded attachment points. The system further includes a helical strake fin disposed circumferentially around a portion of the tubular pole along the longitudinal axis. The system further includes couplers disposed on the tubular pole. The couplers are configured such that each coupler has a first portion with a slot configured to receive an upper portion of the helical strake fin and a second portion configured to removably coupled to a threaded attachment point of the tubular pole. In addition, each coupler is configured to position a portion of the helical strake fin substantially perpendicular to a surface of the tubular pole.