WO2019054879A1

WO2019054879A1 - Modular system for shielding and/or extending a radio mast and mounting of equipment thereon

Info

Publication number: WO2019054879A1
Application number: PCT/NO2018/000017
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian STRØMME
Original assignee: Tower Shield As
Priority date: 2017-09-14
Filing date: 2018-09-14
Publication date: 2019-03-21
Also published as: NO20171486A1; NO344511B1

Abstract

The invention describes a modular system for shielding and extending a radio mast and mounting of equipment thereon. The modular system comprises at least one module each comprising an upper and lower horizontally positioned panel support with a rounded shape with outward facing fastening means, a circumferential panel, made from a material transparent to radio signals used by the antennas, with a shape matching the panel support and vertically divided into at least two separate panel sections. Each panel section comprises inward facing fastening means at the top and bottom matching the fastening means of the panel support, means for fastening the at least two sections along their vertical sides and means for bracing the panels. Furthermore the module comprises fastening means for fastening the panel supports to the mast, and mounting means for mounting equipment to the module. The modular system also comprises a top cover preventing wind and rain from entering inside the module(s), and a bottom cover preventing wind from entering inside the module(s).

Description

Title: Modular system for shielding and/or extending a radio mast and mounting of equipment thereon.

Technical field

The invention is related to radio masts, more specifically to increasing the antenna carrying capacity of the mast without increasing the wind load on the mast.

Background

Currently, tower structures are designed and optimized for an assumed maximum wind load and carrying capacity on the higher part of the structure. This invention will enable the structure to increase its antenna carrying capacity causing less need for altering the structure itself compared to existing solutions.

Radio towers or masts are found throughout the world in increasing numbers. GSM, MW or any other type of antennas may be mounted in various heights of the mast. Antenna towers are generally lattice or trussed structures. These structures are preferred because they are economically more viable due to their weight to strength ratios and because they are versatile regarding fabrication and installation. Other type of structures with better solutions regarding lower maintenance, higher safety and more reliable operation and lower environmental footprint are substantially more expensive, and in some cases impractical to install or transport to remote locations. The mast with antennas, ladders, cables and equipment suffers from the effects of the wind forces. The European Standard document EN 1993-3-2 provide detailed regulations on design and use of towers masts and chimneys. Similar documents are found throughout the world. Generally speaking the wind force acting on a mast and the equipment mounted thereon is larger than the same wind acting on the same mast if an enclosed cylinder is surrounding the mast and equipment. Here we assume that the radius is only slightly larger than the maximum radial distance of the equipment.

There are existing patents that involve shielding towers. However, the objective of those is not to increase of the antenna carrying capacity of the tower.

U.S. Patent Number 5969693, describes an enclosed multi-user telecommunications tower covering multiple antennas at various heights with communication passages allowing an operator to move internally between modules containing antennas.

Individual adjustment and orientation of the antennas for each provider (or their replacement) is thus readily possible within the tower. The tower preferably comprises lower support modules of reinforced concrete and a steel tower for supporting the antenna systems. However this is a solution for simplifying the adjustments of the antennae in the upper part of the tower, and not intended for increasing loadbearing capacity. Similarly,

U.S. Patent Number 20100326007 which issued on December 30th, 2010, discloses a series of alternative related methods for reinforcing an existing lattice frame steel structure, having substantially vertical Hollow Primary Elements, offering the option to choose between improving only compressive load-bearing capacity of said hollow primary elements, or improving both their compressive and the tensile load-bearing capacities. This solution involves filling of cement into the hollow steel parts of the structure, and contrasts with the invention by not utilizing any external construction for shielding the tower itself.

U.S. Patent Number 7116282 describes a device and method allowing reinforcement of towers. Elongated stiffening members are provided for indirect attachment to a tower by means of spacer elements. The spacer elements, which are structurally connected to the tower, provide a location for attachment of the stiffening members such that the tower is reinforced while minimizing any damage to the actual tower through the attachment of reinforcement. In one embodiment an external structural support shell, fastened concentrically about a tower, is also provided. The support shell forms an exterior wall, spaced apart from the antenna tower and fastened thereto with structural elements, such that the antenna tower is strengthened. The placing of the support shell about the tower has the added benefit of creating a space for feeding electrical and communication cables such that communication devices may be added to an existing tower without having cables showing on the exterior surface of the tower.

This solution is designed to make use of lattice towers to create monopole towers, while the invention discussed is designed for shielding parts of towers, irrelevant if they are monopole, lattice or other structures.

Summary of invention

The invention describes a modular system for shielding and extending a radio mast and mounting of equipment thereon. The modular system comprises at least one module each comprising an upper and lower horizontally positioned panel support with a rounded shape with outward facing fastening means, a circumferential panel, made from a material transparent to radio signals used by the antennas, with a shape matching the panel support and vertically divided into at least two separate panel sections. Each panel section comprises inward facing fastening means at the top and bottom matching the fastening means of the panel support, means for fastening the at least two sections along their vertical sides and means for bracing the panels.

Furthermore the module comprises fastening means for fastening the panel supports to the mast, mounting means for mounting equipment to the module. The modular system also comprises a top cover preventing wind and rain from entering inside the module(s), and a bottom cover preventing wind from entering inside the module(s).

Brief description of drawings For better understanding of the invention the device will be described with reference to the figures. Like numerals describe like parts in the different figures.

Fig. la and b shows an inner structure of a modular system.

Fig. 2a and b shows a modular system extending above the mast.

Fig. 2 c and d shows a top view of panel supports, gussets and foundation adaptor. Fig. 3 shows a modular system mounted on a mast.

Fig. 4 shows a modular system extending above the mast with panels taken off.

Fig. 5a and b shows a cross section of a modular system with three panel sections. Fig. 6a and b shows a panel section when split in two and three respectively

Fig. 7 shows a single unit mounted on top of a mast with one panel removed.

Fig. 8a and b shows a pole mounted on a foundation adaptor.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

In the following features are referred to as they are mounted in the modular system on a mast and words like up, down inward, radial etc. should be understood in this context. A number system where 2 is panel support in general and 2a and 2b is upper and lower panel support. The same applies to a few other features like fastening means 4 and diagonal bars 6.

Figure la and b shows an inner structure of a modular system according to the invention mounted on a mast 1 below the top. Figure la shows the structure from the side and figure lb shows the inner structure in a perspective view. The inner structure comprises of a number of panel supports 2 with means 3 for fastening them rigidly to the mast. One module comprises an upper and lower horizontally positioned panel support with a rounded shape and with outward facing fastening means 4a for fastening panels for shielding of equipment mounted on the mast and the mast itself. The upper panel support in one module may also be the lower panel support in the module above and visa versa.

In one embodiment the panel supports are metal pipes and the fastening means 4 on the panel supports are lugs 8a with bolt holes. This is clearly a cheap and effective alternative. By mounting wind shielding panels 5 of a rounded shape, the wind forces acting on the mast 1 is reduced even if extra equipment is mounted. Water, ice and UV-light are also prevented from acting directly on the equipment.

In one embodiment the means 3 for fastening the panel supports 2 to the mast is metal bars 6, 10 fixed to the mast with clamps 7 and/or bolts and lugs with bolt holes. The shape of the panel supports should be rounded, preferably circular, as this shape will give the best shielding from winds coming from different directions. The shape of the panels 5 should obviously match the shape of the panel supports 2 on which they are mounted. The shape of a module when all panels are mounted is one of: cylinder, frusto-cone, oval or polygonal cylinder.

The panels 5 are made from a material transparent to radio signals used by the antennas mounted on the mast, with a shape matching the panel support 2 and vertically divided into at least two separate panel sections 9a, b, each comprising inward facing fastening means 4b at the top and bottom side matching the fastening means of the panel support. The panels also comprises fastening means 8b for fastening the at least two sections along their vertical side. The mentioned fastening means is preferably bolts and lugs with bolt holes 8b.

In one embodiment the panels 5 are made of sandwiched sheets. This gives the panels a more rigid structure without blocking the radio waves. The panels comprise a material or mix of materials chosen from a group of materials comprising: plastic, fiberglass, RBG and PVC.

Furthermore a module comprises means 11 for bracing the panels. Figure 5 a shows an embodiment with three panels in one module and Fig 5b shows a vertical bracing lip 11 at a right angel to the panel for fastening the panels together and bracing the panels. Preferably such a lip is also present at the horizontal ends of a panel. Figure 6a and b shows panels sections split in two and three sections respectively

A module also comprises means 12 for mounting equipment to the module. Preferably this is clamps, brackets or adjustable struts 12 mounted on the panel supports 2 or directly onto the panels 5. In order to achieve full wind shielding effect of the panels the bottom and top of the modular system must be closed. Consequently, on the top of the modular system a top cover preventing wind and rain from entering inside the module(s) is provided, and a bottom cover preventing wind from entering inside the module(s) is provided at the bottom of the modular system. For easy access, the bottom cover should be provided with a man hole 20, and if the modular system extends above the mast a ladder 21 should be provided. In one embodiment the bottom cover 19 function as the lower panel support of the lowermost module and the top cover 18 function as the upper panel support of the uppermost module.

In one embodiment the modular system extends above the mast. This is only possible if the mast in question have dimensions to handle the extra weight and the extra wind forces. When more than one module extends above the mast, the means for fastening the panel supports to the mast comprises a foundation adaptor 13 comprising at least three equal, evenly distributed, mainly horizontal legs 14a, b and c, wherein the at least three legs are fixed together in a central point along the axis of the mast. Such a construction is shown in figure 2a-d in different perspectives.

With only one module above the mast, the means for fastening the upper panel support to the mast is the panels and the top cover 18. The top cover adds strength to the structure. If there are more modules below the panels will be fastened to the top panel support of the module below. If no further modules exists below the top module a foundation adaptor must be mounted.

When more than one module extends above the mast, as shown in figure 3 and 4, the means for fastening the panel supports to the mast furthermore comprises at least two equally long vertical bars 15 fixed to the respective outer ends of the horizontal legs 14a, b, c of the foundation adaptor for the first module above the mast and on top of the respective vertical bars of the module below for every further module above the mast, each vertical bar 15 may comprise outward facing fastening means 8.

Furthermore the means for fastening the panel supports to the mast comprises a central gusset 16 in each horizontal plane between each two modules, wherein the lowest gusset of the first module above the mast is the foundation adaptor, at least two diagonal bars 6a pointing diagonally downward from the upper central gusset to different vertical bars, at least two diagonal bars 6b pointing diagonally upward from the lower central gusset to different vertical bars, and at least two horizontal radial bars 10 stretching from the lower central gusset 16 to different vertical bars 15.

A cellular system for mobile communication often comprises antennas for

communication to and from users and more directional often parabolic antennas communicating with other base stations. Parabolic antennas take up more radial space in a radio mast and are therefore more conveniently mounted to a central pole 17.

Therefore, in one embodiment, the means for mounting equipment is a central pole 17 mounted centrally onto the foundation adaptor 15 and extending up through holes in the central gussets above, if they exist. If only one module is provided above the mast a central gusset may not necessarily be found. The radius of a module should be wide enough to allow an operator to move and work inside the modular system. Generally the modules should have a radius 0,4 meter larger than the radius of the smallest circle enclosing a cross section of the mast.

When mounting equipment on the mast, it may be an advantage that the panels are dismountable.

The top cover may in some geographical areas collect snow or ice and should in those areas have the shape of a cone with a fairly steep angle. Alternatively the cover may have the shape of a plate or a dome.

Inventory 1 Mast

2a, b Upper and lower panel support

3 Fastening means for fastening panel support to mast

4a, b Fastening means for fastening panels to panel support

5 Panel 6a, b Diagonal bars

7 Clamps

8 Lugs with bolt holes 9a, b, c Panel sections 10 Horizontal bar

11 Bracing lip

12 Brackets or adjustable struts for mounting equipment

13 Foundation adaptor

14a, b and c Legs of adaptor 15 Vertical bars 16 Central gusset

17 Central pole

18 Top cover

19 Bottom cover Manhole Ladder

Claims

1. Modular system for shielding and/or extending a radio mast (1) and mounting of equipment thereon comprising: at least one module each comprising: an upper and lower horizontally positioned panel support (2a, b) with a rounded shape with outward facing fastening means (4a), a circumferential panel, made from a material transparent to radio signals used by the antennas, with a shape matching the panel supports (2a, b) and vertically divided into at least two separate panel sections each comprising: inward facing fastening means (4b) at the top and bottom matching the fastening means of the panel support, fastening means (8b) for fastening the at least two sections along their vertical sides and means for bracing the panels, fastening means (3) for fastening the panel supports (2a, b) to the mast (1),

mounting means (12) for mounting equipment to the module, a top cover (18) preventing wind and rain from entering inside the module(s), and

a bottom cover (19) preventing wind from entering inside the module(s).

2. Modular system according to claim 1 wherein the upper panel support (2a) in one module also is the lower panel support (2b) in the module above.

3. Modular system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the top cover (18) is the upper panel support (2a) of the uppermost module.

4. Modular system according to any of the previous claims, wherein fastening means (3) for fastening the panel supports (2a, b) to the mast comprises: at least two diagonal bars (6a) stretching upward from the panel support (2) to the mast and

at least two diagonal bars (6b) stretching downward from the panel support (2) to the mast.

5. Modular system according to claim 1 wherein the panel support (2a, b) is a metal pipe.

6. Modular system according to claim 1 wherein the outward facing fastening means (4a) of the panel support, inwards facing fastening means (4b) of the panels and the means for fastening the panels along their vertical sides are bolts and bolt holes.

7. Modular system according to claim 1 , wherein the panels of a module are shaped as one of: cylinder, frusto-cone, oval or polygonal cylinder.

8. Modular system according to claim 1 , wherein the panels are made from

sandwiched sheets.

9. Modular system according to claim 1 , wherein the panels are made from a material or mix of materials chosen from a group of materials comprising: plastic, fiberglass,

RBG and PVC.

10. Modular system according to claim 1 , wherein the bracing means of the panels are lips extending at right angel, towards the center of the mast at all sides of the panel sections

11. Modular system according to claim 1, wherein the means (3) for fastening the upper panel support to the mast, when one module extends above the mast comprises the panels and the top cover.

12. Modular system according to claim 9, wherein the means (3) for fastening the lower panel supports to the mast, when no further module exists below, comprises a foundation adaptor (13) comprising at least three equal, evenly distributed, mainly horizontal legs (14a, b and c), wherein the three legs are fixed together in a central point along the axis of the mast and fixed to the mast,

13. Modular system according to claim 1, wherein the means (3) for fastening the panel supports to the mast, when more than one module extends above the mast, comprises: the foundation adaptor (13), at least two equally long vertical bars (15) fixed to the respective outer ends of the horizontal legs (14(a, b, c) for the first module above the mast and on top of the respective vertical bars of the module below, for every further module above the mast, each bar having outward facing fastening means (8a), a central gusset (16) in each horizontal plane between each two modules, wherein the lowest gusset of the first module above the mast is the foundation adaptor, at least two diagonal bars (6a) pointing diagonally downward from the upper central gusset to different vertical bars, at least two diagonal bars (6b) pointing diagonally upward from the lower central gusset to different vertical bars, at least two horizontal radial bars (10) stretching from the lower central gusset (16) to different vertical bars (15),

14. Modular system according to claim 1 and 8, wherein the means for mounting equipment comprises a central pole (17) mounted centrally onto the foundation adaptor (13) and extending up through holes in the central gussets (16) above, if they exist.

15. Modular system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the panels are dismountable.

16. Modular system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the bottom cover has a manhole (20).

17. Modular system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the bottom cover (19) is the lower panel support 2b) of the lowermost module.

18. Modular system according to any of the previous claims wherein the top cover is shaped as one of: a plate, a cone, and a dome.

19. Modular system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the radius of a module is at least 0,4 meters larger than the smallest circle circumscribing the mast.

20. Modular system according to claim 1, wherein the means for mounting

equipment comprises clamps or adjustable struts (12) mounted on the panel support.