Generator Transport Structure With Interface Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large scale generators, such as those for wind turbines, face challenges during transportation and lifting due to their size and weight, leading to potential damage from lashing chains and uncontrollable movements, and require safe and efficient methods to orient them for assembly.
Innovation Solution
A transport structure with a handling base and interface arrangement that securely attaches to the generator, allowing for stable transport and lifting without direct lashing, and a method that orients the generator from a vertical to a horizontal position using a lifting adaptor, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lashing chains are used to secure the generator to the transport means, then the generator can be fixed during transport, but the chains may cause damage to the outside surface of the generator and allow uncontrollable movements due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transport structure as an intermediary device between the generator and the transport means. This structure includes a handling base with an interface arrangement that directly couples to the generator, eliminating the need for lashing chains that contact the generator surface. The intermediary structure absorbs vibrations and provides secure attachment without harmful contact with the generator exterior.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport structure is divided into functional segments: a handling base for support, an interface arrangement for secure coupling to the generator, and connecting means for attachment to transport means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the interface arrangement ensures secure connection without surface damage, while the handling base provides stable support.
2Ease of operation
If the generator is lifted high above ground and turned from vertical to horizontal position using chains, then the generator can be positioned for assembly, but uncontrollable movements occur with respect to the chains causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lifting and positioning functions into a single integrated operation. The transport structure with its interface arrangement securely coupled to the generator allows the entire assembly to be lifted and positioned as one unit. This merging eliminates the problematic separate operation of chaining and turning, providing controlled movement throughout the positioning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface arrangement is pre-configured on the transport structure before lifting begins. This preliminary setup ensures that the generator is securely attached in the correct orientation, allowing for controlled positioning from vertical to horizontal without the need for mid-air adjustments that cause uncontrollable movements.
3Reliability
If a transport structure with interface arrangement is used to securely attach the generator, then damage risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport structure is designed as a universal, multi-functional device that can handle various large-scale generators. The interface arrangement uses standardized coupling mechanisms that can accommodate different generator types, reducing the need for custom-designed complex structures for each application while maintaining reliable protection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a transport structure (4) for transporting and/or lifting a large scale generator (5), in particular a generator of a wind turbine. It comprises a handling base (3) with an upper side and a lower side (L) and a first longitudinal end (E1) and second longitudinal end (E2), and an interface arrangement (17) at the handling base (3) realized such that a generator can be releasably attached to the handling base (3) in the direction of the upper side (U). The invention also concerns methods for transporting and for lifting a large scale generator (5).