Tower Hoist Clamp Bracket and Pivoting Beam System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and danger associated with working on telecommunications towers, particularly due to the need for expensive and complex hoisting systems, and the delays and expenses incurred in tower maintenance, which require Class IV rigging plans and engineering sign-offs.
Innovation Solution
A hoist system that includes a clamp bracket system and a hoist beam with sheaves and a brace cable, allowing for secure attachment to various types of towers, enabling the hoist beam to pivot and rotate for safe and efficient access, and can be adapted for use with a mast or platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hoisting systems are used for tower maintenance, then workers can access the tower, but the system becomes bulky, expensive, and dangerous with high center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The hoisting system is divided into separate functional components: a clamp bracket system that attaches to the tower, a hoist beam that pivots independently, and a davit arm for load handling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The hoist beam is designed to pivot and rotate, adding rotational freedom that allows the system to access equipment on all sides of the tower without requiring a bulky, fixed-position hoisting system. This dimensional change enables safer, more flexible operation.
2Reliability
If complex rigging plans and engineering sign-offs are required for tower maintenance, then safety is ensured, but maintenance time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp bracket system is designed to be self-installing and self-adjusting, requiring minimal engineering intervention. The system's inherent design features provide safety without requiring complex external rigging plans or extensive engineering sign-off processes, thereby reducing maintenance time while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a mast extends above the tower for hoisting operations, then access to high equipment is improved, but the center of gravity increases and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mast or hoist beam is designed with pivot points and rotational capability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic design enables the system to reach high equipment while maintaining a lower center of gravity through controlled movement rather than static extension, preserving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot connection acts as an intermediary between the fixed clamp bracket and the movable hoist beam, allowing the beam to extend upward for equipment access while the clamp bracket remains firmly anchored at a lower, more stable position on the tower.
4Ease of operation
If the hoist beam extends laterally from the tower, then access to equipment is improved, but the system requires more space and may interfere with tower structure
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist beam is designed to pivot and rotate, allowing it to extend laterally only when needed for equipment access and return to a compact position when not in use. This dynamic extension minimizes the space occupied by the system while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hoist beam can be positioned close to the tower structure when not in use, effectively nesting the system against the tower, thereby minimizing the space occupied while maintaining the capability to extend laterally for equipment access.
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
The system provides a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective means of accessing and maintaining telecommunications towers, reducing the need for complex rigging plans and engineering sign-offs, while allowing for versatile attachment to different tower types.
Implementation Method 1
securing a first clamp bracket system to the tower pole by placing the first clamp bracket system at least partially around the tower pole
Implementation Method 2
at least one sheave connected to the hoist beam and receiving a load line
Implementation Method 3
the least one load-end sheave, the at least one return sheave and at least a segment/section of the load line are located in the channel
Implementation Method 4
a brace cable connects the hoist beam to the tower pole and extends at an angle relative to the tower pole height
Implementation Method 5
the load line extends from below the hoist beam, at least partially around the at least one load-end sheave and at least partially around the at least one return sheave and then below the hoist beam
Data Source
AI summary
Hoists, platforms and davits are described as well as methods of securing same to telecommunication and other towers. The hoists, platforms and davits may be secured to the towers on a temporary basis using clamps. The clamps may include brackets and cables. The cables may be attached to the brackets, may wrap around the outer surface/perimeter of the tower pole/leg and may use tension to keep the bracket in place.