Self-Releasing Blade Lifting Yoke With Controlled Cradle Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lifting devices for wind turbine blades, such as T-yokes and multi-blade installers, face challenges in providing precise support without causing stress or damage, are complex, and lack versatility for different blade profiles.
Innovation Solution
A self-releasing lifting yoke with an elongate support beam and cradle support, featuring a release device and brake device, allows for controlled detachment from the blade, minimizing stress and simplifying operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional T-yoke lifting devices are used, then lifting function is provided, but the device requires threading and unthreading support slings along the entire blade length, causing operational complexity and potential blade damage
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is divided into modular components: a support beam with multiple independently adjustable support elements (saddles) that can be positioned at specific locations along the blade. Each support element can be independently threaded and unthreaded, eliminating the need to manipulate the entire sling assembly along the full blade length. This segmentation reduces operational complexity while maintaining lifting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing them to be dynamically repositioned along the blade length. The support beam can be configured with different numbers and positions of support elements based on the specific lifting requirements, enabling adaptive operation without changing the fundamental device structure. This dynamic adjustability simplifies operation compared to fixed-configuration devices.
2Strength
If conventional T-yoke with support slings is used, then lifting is achieved, but significant localized stresses and bending loads are applied to the blade, causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
Each support element is designed with a specific local geometry that distributes the lifting load over a broader contact area on the blade. The support elements feature curved or rounded contact surfaces that conform to the blade profile, reducing stress concentrations. This localized quality optimization ensures that each support point applies force in a manner that minimizes bending moments and localized stresses on the blade structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are designed with compliant or cushioning features that prevent direct point-contact stress concentrations. The support beam geometry and support element configuration are pre-engineered to distribute loads before they are applied to the blade, preventing excessive localized stresses during the lifting operation. This beforehand cushioning design protects the blade from stress damage during handling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-blade installer device with C-shaped clamps is used, then lifting and support functions are provided, but the device is difficult to modify for different blade shapes and sizes, reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed with universal geometric features that can accommodate various blade profiles and sizes. The adjustable positioning mechanism and standardized support element geometry allow the same basic device configuration to be used across different blade types. This universality is achieved through modular design where support elements can be repositioned or reconfigured without requiring device modification, thereby increasing adaptability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustability features that allow support elements to be repositioned along the blade length and adjusted to different angles. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables the same device to adapt to various blade shapes and sizes without requiring physical modification. The adjustable design provides versatility while maintaining relatively simple device architecture compared to fixed-configuration specialized devices.
4Productivity
If conventional lifting devices are used, then lifting function is provided, but precise guidance along the blade length is difficult without repositioning the crane, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The support beam is segmented with multiple independently positionable support elements that can be adjusted along the blade length. This segmentation allows the lifting device to maintain precise guidance and support positions without requiring crane repositioning. Each support element can be independently located at optimal positions along the blade, enabling the crane to remain in a fixed, ideal position while the support elements adapt to the blade's specific requirements. This significantly improves operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements feature dynamic positioning capabilities that allow them to be adjusted along the blade length during the lifting operation. This dynamic adaptability enables precise guidance and support without requiring the crane to move, as the support elements can be repositioned to accommodate different blade configurations and lifting requirements. The dynamic adjustment feature maintains operational efficiency while providing precise support guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting yoke (30) supports and moves a wind turbine blade (20) during installation or service at a wind turbine (10). The lifting yoke (30) includes an elongate support beam (42) configured to be lifted and moved by a crane (32), a support element (96) connected to a first end (48) of the support beam (42), and a cradle support (58) connected to a second end (50) of the support beam (42). The support element (96) wraps around the blade (20) proximate a root end (22), while the cradle support (58) lifts and supports the blade (20) at a location between a center of gravity and a tip end (24) of the blade (20). The cradle support (58) includes a support bed (60) with an upper profiled surface (66) that contacts a downward-facing surface (44b) of the blade (20), and also includes a release device (72) and a brake device (76). The release device (72) disconnects one end (62) of the support bed (60) from the support beam (42) to allow the support bed (60) to pivot away from the blade (20), while the brake device (76) controls and slows the pivotal movement of the support bed (60) over a first portion of pivotal movement, thereby avoiding uncontrolled swinging that could impact the blade (20) again. The lifting yoke (30) is simplified in construction by having actively controlled elements only at the release device (72) and brake device (76), while providing improved lifting support for blades (20) that avoids localized points of high stress that can occur when lifting blades (20) with slings.