Concrete Wind Turbine Tower Segment Edge Processing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for achieving plane-parallelism between tower segments of concrete wind turbine towers are complex and require multiple equipment setups, such as portal milling machines and cover plates, which are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A device with a processing means and carrying device that moves along the segment edge, using a rail system and laser measuring device to ensure precise alignment and application of leveling compounds, allowing for plane-parallel processing of the upper segment edge without the need for extensive setup or additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a portal milling machine is used to achieve plane-parallelism of tower segments, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical portal milling machine system with a simpler processing device that uses a laser measuring device for positioning and a processing means mounted on a carrying device. The laser defines a measurement plane, and the processing means is positioned relative to this plane to achieve the required plane-parallelism without needing a large portal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser measuring device as an intermediary to define a measurement plane. This laser plane serves as a reference that simplifies the positioning of the processing means, replacing the need for complex mechanical alignment systems required by portal milling machines.
2Manufacturing precision
If cover plates are used for each formwork segment to apply leveling compound, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing device is designed to be universal and can be used for multiple formwork segments without requiring individual cover plates for each segment. The carrying device can move along the segment edge and process different segments with the same equipment setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the leveling function from the formwork structure itself (by removing the need for cover plates integrated into each formwork segment) and implements it as a separate, movable processing device that applies leveling compound after the segment is cast.
3Device complexity
If a processing device with carrying device is used to move along the segment edge, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a laser measuring device to optically define the measurement plane and determine the position of the processing means. This optical measurement system provides high precision without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms, as the laser can accurately define the reference plane and the processing device can be positioned relative to it.
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
This method simplifies the process of achieving plane-parallelism between tower segments, reducing the need for complex equipment and minimizing inaccuracies, while maintaining high precision and quality, allowing for efficient assembly of taller wind turbine towers.
Implementation Method 1
at least one laser measuring device for determining a position of the processing means relative to a measurement plane that is plane-parallel to a reference plane
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a processing apparatus for processing an upper segment edge (8) of a tower segment of a concrete tower (102) in order to prepare the tower segment for the attachment of at least one further tower segment. According to the invention, it is proposed that the processing apparatus comprises a processing means (10) for processing the segment edge (8) and a supporting apparatus (32, 34) which is to be fastened in the region of the segment edge (8) and is intended for displaceably supporting and guiding the processing means (10) along the segment edge (8).