Lattice Tower Section Assembly Fixture with Radial Trolleys
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of lattice tower structures for wind turbines is complex and time-consuming due to the numerous components and joints required, making it inefficient compared to tubular pole configurations, which use more materials and are more expensive.
Innovation Solution
A method using a tower assembly fixture with radially extending fixture arms and trolleys, where each trolley includes a base frame and leg mount, allowing for secure attachment of support legs and secondary support members to form tower sections efficiently, with adjustable radial and angular positioning to accommodate varying dimensions and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lattice tower structure is used, then material usage is reduced and cost is lowered, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tower structure is divided into modular lattice sections that can be assembled independently. Each section comprises discrete members (verticals, horizontals, diagonals) connected through standardized joints, enabling segmented assembly and reducing overall assembly complexity compared to monolithic tubular poles.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized assembly fixture with radially extending arms and positioning mechanisms serves as an intermediary device to hold and align multiple tower members simultaneously during assembly. This fixture simplifies the complex task of positioning numerous lattice components by providing a structured platform for coordinated assembly.
2Quantity of substance
If lattice tower structure is used, then material usage is reduced and cost is lowered, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Tower members are pre-positioned on the assembly fixture radially around the central axis before final connection. This preliminary arrangement of components eliminates time-consuming on-site alignment operations and allows for rapid assembly of the lattice structure sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tower members (verticals, horizontals, diagonals) are positioned and prepared simultaneously on the same assembly fixture, allowing their connections to be made in a coordinated sequence rather than sequentially. This merging of assembly operations significantly reduces total assembly time.
3Ease of operation
If tubular pole configuration is used, then assembly ease increases, but material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice tower is segmented into standardized sections with repeating patterns of members and joints. This segmentation allows for modular assembly using the same connection techniques throughout, making the assembly process as easy as repeating a standardized sequence rather than constructing a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly fixture is designed with universal positioning capabilities that can accommodate different lattice member configurations and orientations. This multi-functional fixture can be used across various tower sections and configurations, maintaining assembly ease while enabling the material-efficient lattice design.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method for assembling a tower section of a lattice tower structure for a wind turbine on a tower assembly fixture may generally include installing a first trolley onto a first fixture arm of the fixture and installing a second trolley onto a second fixture arm of the fixture. In addition, the method may include securing a first support leg of the tower section to the first trolley, securing a second support leg of the tower section to the second trolley and coupling at least one secondary support member between the first and seconds support legs.