Helicopter Hoisting Platform Conductive Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing helicopter hoisting platforms for wind turbines face challenges in effectively discharging static electricity due to high resistance in conductive materials, which can lead to incomplete discharge and safety hazards, especially in humid environments, and uneven surface finishes that compromise safety and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A helicopter hoisting platform with a composite layer and a plurality of metal plates spaced on the outer surface, forming a conductive network connected to ground, providing a robust and safe discharge path while maintaining a non-slip surface finish for personnel safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive paint or cladding is applied to the helicopter hoisting platform, then the platform provides a conductive surface for static electricity discharge, but the electric resistance remains high and the surface finish becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic electricity discharge reliabilityVSAvoidsurface finish uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive surface is segmented into multiple discrete metal plates arranged in a grid pattern, replacing the continuous conductive paint or cladding. This segmentation allows each plate to provide reliable electrical contact while the overall grid structure maintains surface uniformity and prevents trip hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining metal plates with a non-conductive base material (such as fiberglass or plastic). This composite approach provides both the electrical conductivity needed for static discharge and the surface finish requirements for safety and aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conductive paint or cladding is applied to the helicopter hoisting platform, then the platform provides a conductive surface, but the surface may develop scratches and deterioration leading to non-continuous conductive media

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductive path continuityVSAvoidconductive surface durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the conductive surface into discrete metal plates, the system ensures that scratches or deterioration in one area do not compromise the entire conductive path. The grid structure provides multiple redundant conductive pathways, maintaining reliability even when individual plates are damaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metal plates are designed as replaceable components that can be easily swapped out if damaged or deteriorated. This approach is more economical and reliable than attempting to maintain the integrity of a continuous conductive coating over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If conductive paint or cladding is applied to the helicopter hoisting platform, then the platform provides electrical conductivity, but the surface grip is insufficient for personnel safety in humid conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidsurface grip for personnel
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The metal plates are mounted on a non-conductive base material that provides both structural support and surface grip. This composite structure allows the metal plates to provide electrical conductivity while the base material maintains personnel safety through adequate friction, especially in humid offshore environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

The solution ensures reliable static electricity discharge with reduced resistance, enhances safety by preventing trip hazards, and allows for easy replacement of metal plates, improving the overall robustness and safety of the platform.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of metal plates form a conductive network that is electrically connected to a ground connection located below the composite layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12037134B2Helicopter hoisting platform
Publication Date: 2024.07.16 GENERAL ELECTRIC RENOVABLES ESPANA SL
  • US12037134B2 patent drawing
  • US12037134B2 patent drawing
  • US12037134B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention discloses a helicopter hoisting platform for a wind turbine nacelle cover, the helicopter hoisting platform comprising a composite layer and a plurality of metal plates arranged on the outer surface of the composite layer, wherein the plurality of metal plates forms a conductive network electrically connected to a ground connection.