Modular Platform Mounting Assemblies for Wind Turbine Tower Segments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of wind turbine towers is complicated by the varying cross-sectional shapes and wall thicknesses of tower portions, requiring uniquely manufactured platforms for each section, which increases manufacturing costs and logistical challenges in transporting pre-assembled towers.
Innovation Solution
A modular platform system with adjustable mounting assemblies, including brackets and support frames, that can be configured to fit different cross-sectional areas within the tower segments, reducing the need for custom platforms and allowing for cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If pre-assembled towers are transported to the erection site, then assembly time is reduced, but transportation difficulty increases due to tower height
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is divided into multiple transportable segments that can be assembled on-site. Each segment contains standardized mounting assemblies that enable efficient connection, reducing overall assembly time while maintaining transportability of individual sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Mounting assemblies are pre-installed on tower segments during manufacturing, allowing for rapid on-site assembly. The mounting assemblies include pre-configured brackets and fastening mechanisms that eliminate the need for complex on-site fabrication.
2Strength
If tower portions have varying cross-sectional shapes and wall thicknesses, then structural requirements are met, but platform manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is designed as a universal component that can be adapted to different cross-sectional shapes and wall thicknesses. The bracket includes adjustable features and multiple mounting configurations that allow a single platform design to serve multiple tower section types, reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly incorporates adjustable parameters such as bracket arm lengths, mounting hole positions, and attachment mechanisms that can be configured to match varying tower geometries. This parametric adaptability allows the same platform design to accommodate different cross-sectional shapes and wall thicknesses.
3Manufacturing precision
If uniquely manufactured platforms are used for each tower section, then fit accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal mounting assembly design is used across all tower sections, eliminating the need to manufacture unique platforms for each section. The universal design maintains fit accuracy through standardized interfaces and adjustable mounting features while significantly reducing manufacturing costs through economies of scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly includes dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow it to adapt to different tower section geometries. This dynamic adaptability replaces the need for custom-manufactured static platforms, achieving both fit accuracy and cost efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A tower (10) including a first end (24), a second end (26), and a shell (16) extending between the first and second ends. The shell includes at least one tower segment (22) including an inner surface (30) that defines a first cross-sectional area of the tower segment and a second cross-sectional area of the tower segment that is different from the first cross-sectional area. The tower further includes a platform (100) including a plurality of mounting assemblies (106) configured to mount the platform within the at least one tower segment at one of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area.