Integrated Lifting Tool for Wind Turbine Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting tool arrangements for heavy wind turbine components are complex and cumbersome, requiring multiple tool elements and complex coupling mechanisms, which complicates the lifting process.
Innovation Solution
A simplified lifting tool arrangement featuring a first elongated tool part with a connection interface to a lifting device and a second transverse tool part that counter-bears against the inner surface of a second tool at the component, allowing for a mechanically stable and straightforward lifting mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple tool elements and complex coupling mechanisms are used for lifting wind turbine components, then the lifting connection becomes more robust and reliable, but the device complexity and handling difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate tool elements into a single integrated lifting tool. The first tool part with the elongate body and the second tool part with the bearing surface are combined into one unified structure that can be inserted through a single opening, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and their complex coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated lifting tool performs multiple functions within a single structure: the elongate body provides structural support and insertion capability, while the bearing surface provides load-bearing capacity. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required multiple specialized components working together.
2Reliability
If multiple tool elements and complex coupling mechanisms are used for lifting wind turbine components, then the lifting connection becomes more robust, but the ease of operation and setup time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple tool elements into one integrated unit, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps required during lifting operations. The single tool can be inserted through one opening and immediately provide both structural support and load-bearing capability, eliminating the need for operators to assemble multiple components in sequence.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated tool with transverse bearing surface is used for lifting, then the device complexity is reduced and handling is simplified, but the lifting stability must be maintained through proper geometric design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric geometry in the arrangement of the bearing surface relative to the elongate body. The bearing surface is positioned transversely at a specific location along the elongate body, creating an asymmetric configuration that provides stable lifting characteristics while maintaining structural integrity. This asymmetric design ensures proper load distribution and prevents unwanted rotation or instability during lifting operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting tool arrangement for lifting heavy components is provided, especially a wind turbine or wind turbine component, including a first tool with a first elongated tool part having an interface adapted to be connected to a lifting device, and a second tool part connected to the first elongated tool part and extending transverse to the first elongated tool part, and a second tool provided at the component, including an opening which is shaped such that, in the lifting position, the first elongated tool part extends through the opening while the second tool part is counter-beared towards an inner surface of the second tool.