Aim-Guide-Lock self-alignment system for tower erection avoids work under suspended load

Working beneath suspended loads remains one of the most critical safety hazards in transmission line construction. This paper presents an engineered solution developed to eliminate this risk during lattice tower erection. The system introduces a coupling and guiding device that enables tower sections to be aligned and positively locked into position without workers being positioned beneath a suspended load. Through iterative mechanical design, finite element analysis (FEA), and prototype testing, including a 1:2-scale 3D-printed proof of concept, the mechanism was verified for both functionality and constructability. Compared with previously proposed systems, the device achieves a true mechanically interlocked condition, avoids interference with splice joint assembly, protects tower…