Wind Turbine Blade Lifting Device with Internal Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing and replacing damaged wind turbine blades are unsafe due to the risk of slings and rigging equipment slipping, necessitating a secure connection mechanism to ensure safe handling and lowering of large blades.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine blade lifting device comprising a backing member, connector rod, cover plate with alignment member, primary lifting shackle, and securing nut, which provides a secure attachment to the blade's interior surface, allowing for safe lifting and lowering by engaging with rigging equipment, and optionally includes spacers and secondary shackles for adaptability and additional rigging connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slings and rigging equipment are used to handle wind turbine blades, then the blades can be lifted and moved, but the equipment may slip causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device acts as an intermediary between the blade and external rigging equipment. It includes a backing member that contacts the blade's interior surface, a connector rod with securing nut that anchors into the blade structure, and a cover plate with alignment member that distributes loads. This intermediary mechanism eliminates direct reliance on slings that may slip, providing a secure mechanical connection point for safe blade handling.
2Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is implemented, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is segmented into distinct functional components: a backing member for contact with the blade interior surface, a connector rod with threading for anchoring, a securing nut for fastening, and a cover plate with alignment features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while enabling modular assembly and installation, reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced security features.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine blade lifting device is provided, comprising a backing member adapted to contact an interior surface of a wind turbine blade; a connector rod having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end is rotatably connected to the backing member; a cover plate connected to the connector rod, wherein the cover plate includes an alignment member; a primary lifting shackle rotatably connected to a base member engaged with the connector rod; and a securing nut threadably connected to the upper end of the connector rod. One or more spacers are positioned around the connector rod between the cover plate and an exterior blade surface. The device preferably includes a holding tool connectable to the upper end of the connector rod. The cover plate preferably includes one of more secondary shackles to enable engagement with other rigging equipment.