Bolt-Calibrated Tower Mainstay Connection for Precise Taper Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tower construction methods require significant manual effort and imprecision in tapering vertical towers, and existing connection systems are bulky, expensive, and restrictive in adjustment, making it difficult to efficiently connect lateral and wall elements while maintaining stability and precision.

Innovation Solution

A bolt-calibrated angle mainstay system with a dual locking mechanism that allows for precise taper adjustment and connection of lateral and wall elements using a screw-type design, enabling precise leveling and stability without additional equipment, and incorporating retaining bolts for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If external force devices (cranes, come-along, ropes and pulleys) are used to physically move the frame to desired taper, then the frame can be adjusted to taper, but the equipment becomes bulky, expensive, and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetaper adjustment precisionVSAvoidequipment bulkiness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the taper adjustment function from external heavy equipment and relocates it to the tower structure itself through the adjustable leg assembly. The adjustment mechanism is integrated directly into the tower leg, eliminating the need for external cranes, come-alongs, and pulley systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The tower structure performs its own taper adjustment through the adjustable leg assembly with calibrated angle indicators. The system is self-contained and does not require external force devices, allowing the tower to adjust itself to the desired taper using only the adjustment bolt and indicator mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple holes are used to accomplish different tapers, then different taper positions can be achieved, but precise measurements are required before installation and universal range of adjustment is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetaper adjustment rangeVSAvoidmeasurement precision requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the static multiple-hole configuration with a dynamic continuous adjustment mechanism. The adjustable leg assembly allows the tower leg to be positioned at any angle within a range, rather than being limited to fixed positions defined by pre-drilled holes. The calibrated angle indicator provides continuous angular measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the adjustment parameter from discrete hole positions to continuous angular measurement. The calibrated angle indicator with degree markings allows the user to set and read any angular position, providing both universal adjustment range and precise measurement capability without requiring pre-installation measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If heavy metal members are used for tower construction, then structural strength is maintained, but bending and adjusting becomes difficult and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetower structural strengthVSAvoidadjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tower leg into adjustable sections with the adjustable leg assembly. This allows the heavy metal tower to be divided into modular components that can be independently adjusted. The adjustment mechanism is concentrated in specific segments rather than requiring manipulation of the entire heavy structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable leg assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the heavy tower structure and the adjustment operation. It provides a mechanical advantage system with the adjustment bolt and calibrated indicator, making it easier to precisely adjust the heavy metal members without requiring direct manual bending or positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If additional equipment is used for frame adjustment, then adjustment capability is achieved, but installation costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe adjustment capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the adjustment function with the tower structure itself through the integrated adjustable leg assembly. The adjustment mechanism, calibration indicators, and locking features are combined into a single unified system that is part of the tower, eliminating the need for separate adjustment equipment and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable leg assembly serves multiple functions: it provides taper adjustment, includes calibrated angle indication, and has self-locking capability. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, reducing installation complexity while maintaining comprehensive adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables precise and efficient adjustment of tower frames during construction, allowing for lightweight and stable connections of lateral and wall elements, reducing installation costs and complexity while maintaining structural stability.

Implementation Method 1

a taper adjusting bolt to adjustably position the frame level with the earth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Implementation Method 2

unique screw-type adjustment design

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

dual locking system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11274435B2Bolt calibrated angle mainstay wall connection system and method for use
Publication Date: 2022.03.15 VALMONT INDUSTRIES INC
  • US11274435B2 patent drawing
  • US11274435B2 patent drawing
  • US11274435B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a system which allows users to mount multiple pieces of equipment to a tower and it has the unique capability to adjust a steel frame to level without additional equipment. In accordance with a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a duel locking system that includes a taper adjusting bolt to adjustably position the frame level with the earth. According to still further aspects of the present invention, the present invention further includes attachable wall section elements which include at least upper and lower lateral spanning elements having first and securing weldments which preferably may integrally connect to the adjustable frame elements of the present invention. According to still further aspects of the present invention, the present invention preferably further includes upper and lower weldment connecting plates which are preferably connected to and extend from the upper and lower lateral spanning elements.