Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Transport Frame Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotor blade transport systems require frequent and labor-intensive frame changes when transitioning between sea and road transport, posing risks of damage and inefficiency due to their configuration being specific to either mode of transport.
Innovation Solution
A root frame arrangement that combines a road transport frame with a detachably connected sea transport frame, allowing for seamless transition between transport modes without the need for recoupling, along with a tip clamp assembly that maintains orientation during transport, ensuring the rotor blade's profile adapts correctly for both sea and road transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate holding systems are used for sea and road transport, then each system can be optimized for its specific transport mode, but the system complexity increases and frame exchange is required between transport segments
Solution Approach 1:
The holding system is designed with a universal root frame arrangement that can function in both sea and road transport modes. The root frame includes both a sea transport interface and a road transport interface, allowing it to be adapted to different transport requirements without changing the core structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate holding systems while maintaining optimization for each transport mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sea transport holding system and road transport holding system into a single integrated root frame arrangement. By merging the two separate systems into one unified structure with detachable connections, the patent eliminates the need for frame exchange while preserving the optimized characteristics of both transport modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frame exchange is performed between sea and road transport segments, then each transport mode can use its optimized holding system, but time loss and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The root frame arrangement is pre-configured with both sea and road transport interfaces before transport begins. The detachable connection allows the holding system to be prepared in advance for mode transition, eliminating the need for time-consuming frame exchange during transport segments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frame exchange is performed between transport modes, then optimized holding systems can be used for each mode, but the risk of rotor blade damage increases due to handling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The holding system is segmented into a permanent root frame arrangement and detachable transport-specific components. The root frame with its permanent coupling remains attached to the rotor blade throughout both sea and road transport, eliminating the need to detach and reattach holding systems during mode transitions, thereby reducing damage risk from handling operations.
4Device complexity
If a universal holding system is used for both sea and road transport, then frame exchange is eliminated, but the system must accommodate conflicting orientation requirements for the two transport modes
Solution Approach 1:
The root frame arrangement incorporates dynamic adaptability through detachable connections that allow the orientation of the holding system to be adjusted based on transport mode. The system can transition between orientations required for sea transport and road transport while maintaining a universal root frame structure, resolving the conflict between simplicity and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a root frame assembly (2) for transporting rotor blades (90) for a wind turbine, which is to be coupled to the root (91) of a rotor blade (90), and a tip clamping assembly (6) which is to be clamped around a rotor blade (90) near its tip. The root frame assembly (2) comprises: - a road transport frame (3) configured to be coupled to the root (91) of a wind turbine rotor blade (90); and - a sea transport frame (4) detachably connected to the road transport frame (3), wherein the mounting centerline (31) of the road transport frame (3) is substantially perpendicular to the mounting centerline (41) of the sea transport frame (4). Thus, the orientation of the rotor blade (90) coupled to the road transport frame (3) can be selectively tilted or not tilted using the sea transport frame (4).Likewise, the tip clamping arrangement (6) allows the profile of the clamped rotor blade (90) to be oriented substantially vertically or substantially horizontally.