Magnetic-Glue Suspension Mounting for Wind Turbine Tower Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Attaching components to wind turbine towers using traditional methods like welding or strong magnets weakens the structure and is costly, while alternative methods like glue require precise positioning and can be difficult to reposition.
Innovation Solution
A suspension arrangement combining magnetic attachment means and a glue surface, allowing for accurate and cost-effective attachment to a magnetizable support without weakening it, using magnetic forces for positioning and a glue portion for permanent attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strong magnets are used to attach components to the wind turbine tower wall, then the attachment strength is improved, but the cost increases and repositioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment means provides dynamic, adjustable holding force during installation. The component can be easily positioned and repositioned while the magnet is in place, and the magnetic force can be adjusted by changing the distance between the magnet and the tower wall. Once the glue cures, the magnetic force is no longer needed, allowing for easy removal and repositioning if required.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment means performs the preliminary function of holding the component in position during installation. This preliminary action allows for easy positioning and adjustment before the permanent glue attachment is made, after which the magnetic component can be removed without affecting the permanent bond.
2Strength
If glue is used to attach components to the wind turbine tower wall, then the tower structure is not weakened, but positioning precision requirements increase and repositioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment means performs the preliminary positioning function, holding the component in the exact desired position while the glue is applied and cures. This eliminates the need for high positioning precision during the gluing process itself, as the magnetic force maintains precise positioning automatically once the component is placed.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment means serves as an intermediary that maintains positioning precision during the glue application and curing process. It compensates for any minor positioning errors and ensures the component remains in the correct position until the glue fully cures, after which the magnetic component can be removed.
3Strength
If strong magnets are used to handle forces during component use, then the attachment strength is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into temporary magnetic attachment and permanent glue bonding. The magnetic component only needs to handle the weight of the component during installation and potential repositioning, not the full operational loads. The glue surface is designed to handle the operational forces, allowing the use of smaller, less expensive magnets compared to using magnets alone for the entire attachment duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional requirements of the magnetic attachment means are changed from needing to handle all operational forces to only needing to handle installation and repositioning forces. This parameter change allows for the use of smaller, less expensive magnets, as the permanent glue attachment takes over the load-bearing function during operational use.
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
Enables reliable, accurate, and cost-effective attachment of components to wind turbine towers without structural weakening, allowing for easy repositioning and reduced operator risk during installation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic attachment means comprising a magnetic material allowing the suspension arrangement to be releasably attached to the support
Implementation Method 2
a glue surface having a glue depression configured for receiving a glue portion in order to permanently attach the suspension arrangement to the support
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension arrangement (7) for attachment to a support (2, 17) being made from a magnetisable material is disclosed. The suspension arrangement (7) comprises a magnetic attachment means (8) and a glue surface (9) having a glue depression (10). The magnetic attachment means (8) comprises a magnetic material allowing the suspension arrangement (7) to be releasably attached to the support (2, 17). The glue depression (10) is configured for receiving a glue portion (11) in order to permanently attach the suspension arrangement (7) to the support (2, 17). The glue surface (9) is arranged in contact with the support (2, 17) when the suspension arrangement (7) is attached to the support (2, 17).