Railcar Tower Transport Fixture with Conforming Saddle
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation of large wind turbine towers and tower sections poses challenges due to their size and tapered profile, requiring specialized fixtures for rail transport, which are costly and complex to fabricate and utilize, especially when dealing with curved rail sections and complex rail yards.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a locating assembly with a key assembly and foot-stop assembly, along with a saddle assembly that conforms to the shape of the tower, and a spacer assembly to securely and efficiently load and transport towers on railcars, reducing the need for multiple fixture types and minimizing welding and cutting to railcar decks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized fixtures are used to transport tapered towers on railcars, then the towers can be securely transported, but the fabrication and utilization costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized fixture system that can accommodate multiple tower configurations and dimensions. The fixtures are designed to be reusable across different tower types, eliminating the need for custom fixtures for each tower, thereby reducing fabrication costs while maintaining secure transport capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tower transport problem into standardized components that can be handled by modular fixtures. By dividing the tower into sections that fit standard fixture dimensions, the system avoids the need for custom-built fixtures for each unique tower configuration, reducing overall fabrication costs.
2Reliability
If specialized fixtures are used for each tower configuration, then secure transport is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by implementing a universal fixture design that handles multiple tower configurations through standardized interfaces and adjustable components, rather than requiring complex custom fixtures for each tower type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by designing fixtures with adjustable dimensions and configurations that can adapt to different tower parameters (height, diameter, taper), allowing a single fixture design to handle variable tower specifications without increasing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixture types are used to accommodate various tower configurations, then all towers can be transported, but the number of fixture types and associated costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves adaptability through a single universal fixture type that can accommodate various tower configurations by adjusting parameters such as support point positions, clamping forces, and positioning mechanisms, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixture types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating adjustable and reconfigurable elements in the fixture design, allowing the same fixture to dynamically adapt its configuration to match different tower dimensions and requirements, reducing the need for multiple static fixture types.
4Reliability
If extensive welding and cutting is performed on railcar decks to install fixtures, then secure attachment is achieved, but the railcar turn-around time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling fixtures on removable platforms or blocks that can be positioned on the railcar deck without requiring permanent welding or cutting during loading. The fixtures are pre-configured and attached to movable bases, allowing quick installation and removal, thereby reducing turn-around time while maintaining attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the attachment function from permanent railcar modifications by using removable fixtures that can be installed and detached without welding or cutting the railcar deck. This separation allows the fixtures to be reused on different railcars and eliminates time-consuming permanent modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transporting a tower on deck of a railcar includes a locating assembly, with a key assembly fixed to the deck and disengageably coupled to a foot-stop assembly fixed to the tower adjacent to a first end, for locating the tower above the deck, and a saddle assembly and a saddle spacer disposed between the saddle assembly and the tower, where the saddles spacer conforms to the shaped of the elongated portion of the tower, and supports the tower above the deck.