Scissor Climbing Frame for Automatic Tower Diameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for accessing and maintaining tower structures, such as wind turbine towers, often require separate mechanisms to adapt to varying diameters, which can be cumbersome and hazardous, especially when heavy cranes or suspending personnel are involved.
Innovation Solution
A scissor-like apparatus with sliding rails and frame elements that automatically adjusts its inner diameter to match the outer diameter of the tower by using a hoisting mechanism and gravity, eliminating the need for a separate adaptation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate mechanism is used to adapt the apparatus diameter to the tower structure, then the apparatus can adjust to varying diameters, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the diameter adaptation function with the hoisting mechanism by integrating the scissor structure directly into the support structure. The frame elements and sliding rails form a scissor mechanism that automatically adjusts the apparatus diameter during hoisting, eliminating the need for a separate adaptation mechanism while maintaining adaptability to varying tower diameters
Solution Approach 2:
The hoisting mechanism is given multiple functions: it not only lifts the apparatus along the tower structure but also simultaneously adjusts the apparatus diameter to match the tower diameter. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining full adaptability
2Ease of operation
If heavy cranes or suspending personnel are used to provide access, then personnel can reach the tower structure, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is self-supporting through its scissor structure that automatically adjusts to the tower diameter and provides stable support. The frame elements and sliding rails create a rigid structure that secures the apparatus to the tower, eliminating the need for external cranes or risky personnel suspension while ensuring safe access
3Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus diameter is manually adjusted, then it can fit different tower diameters, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor structure is pre-configured with sliding rails and frame elements that enable automatic diameter adjustment during the hoisting process. As the apparatus is hoisted to different positions on the tower, the scissor mechanism automatically adapts the diameter without requiring manual intervention, saving significant adjustment time
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 safe and efficient access to tower structures with automatic diameter adjustment, facilitating maintenance, inspection, and surface treatment while minimizing the risk of accidents and equipment complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an upwardly directed lifting force applied at the connecting points, in combination with gravity working on the frame structure, causes the frame elements to slide along the sliding rails
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for movement along a tower structure (11) is disclosed, the apparatus (1) being configured to be arranged at least partly circumferentially around the tower structure (11). The apparatus (1) comprises a plurality of sliding rails(2) and a frame structure comprising a plurality of frame elements(3). Each frame element (3) is slidably connected to at least one of the sliding rails(2), and the frame elements (3) and the sliding rails (2) are interconnected to form a scissor structure. An upwardly directed lifting force applied, by means of a hoisting mechanism (8), at connecting points (10) at or near positions where the frame elements (3) are connected to the sliding rails (2), in combination with gravity working on the frame structure, causes the frame elements (3) to slide along the sliding rails (2), thereby causing the scissor structure to contract or expand to adjust a diameter of the frame structure to an outer diameter of a tower structure (11) having the apparatus (1) mounted thereon.