Self-Propelled Magnetic Vehicle for Waterless Tower Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cleaning the surface of wind turbine towers is complex, costly, environmentally damaging, and risky due to spills, contamination, and the need for specialized personnel and equipment, with existing devices limited in height, maneuverability, and water usage.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled vehicle designed for ferromagnetic metal walls, equipped with an articulated frame, adjustable wheels, magnets for adhesion, and a cleaning mechanism, allowing vertical and horizontal movement, autonomous or remote operation, and minimal water usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional cleaning methods using cranes, elevators, and pressure equipment are used, then cleaning capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidequipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is segmented into a self-propelled vehicle unit that integrates all necessary functions (locomotion, cleaning, adhesion) into a single modular platform, eliminating the need for separate cranes, elevators, and pressure equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle is self-propelled and self-contained, carrying its own power source, cleaning mechanisms, and adhesion systems, allowing it to operate autonomously without external support equipment like cranes or elevators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If pressurized water nozzles are used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but environmental contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful pressurized water system is extracted and replaced with a dry cleaning mechanism using a cleaning cloth, eliminating water runoff and environmental contamination while maintaining cleaning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning cloth is impregnated with oxidizing products that chemically break down hydrocarbons and contaminants on the tower surface, providing effective cleaning without water

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

3Ease of manufacture

If cleaning personnel work at heights above 50 metres, then tower cleaning is achieved, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle operates autonomously at heights without requiring human personnel to work at dangerous elevations, eliminating safety risks associated with working above 50 metres while maintaining full cleaning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical system replaces human operators with an autonomous vehicle equipped with sensors and automated control, eliminating the need for personnel to physically ascend to dangerous heights

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If semi-automatic devices with pressurized water nozzles are used, then cleaning capability is improved, but water runoff and contamination increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidwater runoff

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The pressurized water system is completely extracted and replaced with a dry cleaning method using an impregnated cloth, eliminating water runoff and the associated loss of water and chemical substances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning cloth is impregnated with oxidizing products that chemically decompose contaminants, providing effective cleaning without requiring water and preventing any water runoff

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

5Ease of operation

If electrical and hydraulic connections are made to the base, then control capability is achieved, but height reach is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidheight reach

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Physical electrical and hydraulic connections are replaced with wireless communication and power transmission systems, allowing the vehicle to operate at full tower height without being constrained by cable length or connection infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is segmented into wireless communication modules that transmit commands and data between the base and the vehicle at any height, eliminating the need for continuous physical connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly cleaning of wind turbine towers, capable of reaching full height, navigating obstacles, and operating during wind turbine operation, with reduced water runoff and single-person operation.

Implementation Method 1

magnets for adhesion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic adhesion: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4610151A1Self propelled vehicle for metal ferromagnetic walls

Publication Date: 2025.09.03 WINDTOOLS S L U

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C

AI summary

The present invention comprises: a base, with two side portions (3) articulated to a central portion (2); in each side portion (5), a train (5) with interconnected wheels (6) equipped with a magnet (14); suspension to regulate the height of some of the wheels (3); gearmotors (12) to drive the trains (5); and rechargeable batteries. It may further comprise a cleaning device with: a cloth (18) wound on a mandrel (19); a motorised axle (24) to collect the cloth (18); and a cleaning head (23) to guide the cloth (18) from the mandrel (19) to the motorised axle (24), and comprising a pivoting hold-down (27) and pressure springs (28) to press the cloth (18) against the wall (1). The vehicle has great manoeuvrability and adhesion, and allows for optimised cleaning of ferromagnetic metal walls (1).