Pivoting Lifting Yoke for Rotor Blade Preform Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of handling and rotating preform building elements during the manufacturing of a wind turbine rotor blades, the existing technologies are addressed, achieving efficient and cost-effective mercury removal of the preform building elements, the existing technologies are not addressed, the existing technologies are not efficient in facilitating the rotation of preform building elements during the manufacturing of a rotor blade, particularly in the existing technologies are not effectively addressing the rotation of preform building elements during the manufacturing of a wind turbine rotor blade, the existing technologies are not effectively addressing the rotation of preformed preforms during the manufacturing of a wind turbine rotor blade, the existing technologies are not effectively addressing the rotation of preform building elements during the manufacturing process, which can lead to damage and deformation of these elements.

Innovation Solution

A lifting yoke with a pivotable attachment device that allows for attachment to both the top and bottom surfaces of a building element, enabling 180° rotation and precise orientation for efficient handling and placement in the blade mold, utilizing a hoisting means like cranes or fork lifts, and incorporating adjustable counterweights for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a building element is divided into multiple segments for lifting, then the lifting operation becomes more manageable and safer, but the number of lifting operations and time required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting safetyVSAvoidlifting time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The building element is divided into multiple segments that can be lifted separately using multiple lifting yokes. Each segment is equipped with its own lifting points, allowing independent lifting and positioning. This segmentation enables safer handling of large building elements while the coordinated lifting of multiple segments simultaneously reduces overall lifting time compared to sequential single-segment lifting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional lifting points are used on building elements, then the lifting gear can be attached, but the lifting points are difficult to position accurately and require additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting point integrationVSAvoidlifting point position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting yoke incorporates lifting points with specific geometric properties at strategically located positions. The lifting points are designed with standardized dimensions and orientations that match corresponding recesses in the building element segments. This local specialization of lifting point geometry enables precise positioning and accurate alignment during lifting operations without requiring additional positioning components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the lifting yoke design is simplified for ease of manufacture, then production cost decreases, but the adaptability to different building element configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyoke manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidbuilding element compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting yoke is designed as a universal component with standardized lifting points, connection interfaces, and geometric features that can accommodate multiple building element types and configurations. The yoke incorporates adjustable elements and standardized mounting patterns that enable it to function with various segment sizes and shapes. This universal design allows a single yoke model to serve multiple purposes across different lifting operations, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving broad adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4466213B1Lifting yoke for lifting a building element and method for lifting a building element
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY AS
  • EP4466213B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4466213B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4466213B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Lifting yoke for lifting a building element (2) used for building a rotor blade of a wind turbine, wherein the lifting yoke (1) comprises a main body (3) and at least one attachment device (6), wherein the main body (3) is arrangeable hanging on a hoisting means and wherein the attachment device (6) comprises at least one attachment means (7) attachable to a surface (11, 16) of a building element (2) to be lifted, wherein the attachment device (6) is pivotable with and without attached building element (2) at least between a first position and a second position wherein the attachment means (7) is pointing downwards in the first position for attachment to a top side surface of a building element (2) and upwards in the second position for attachment to a bottom side surface of a building element (2).