Shape-Adjustable Adapter for Flangeless Structure Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transporting flangeless tubular structures, such as wind turbine towers, vertically is challenging due to the lack of flanges for bolting to support fixtures, requiring additional measures like temporary flanges for stiffness and securement, which increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A shape-adjustable transport apparatus with an actuator-controlled adapter that changes shape from an initial state to a mating state, allowing secure engagement with the structure without fasteners, using friction for secure handling during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flanges and fasteners are used to secure the structure during transport, then the structure can be securely bolted to support fixtures, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the flange and fastener components from the transport securing system. Instead of using traditional flanged connections with multiple fasteners, the patent employs a friction-based grip mechanism that directly engages with the tubular structure's outer surface, removing the need for flanges, through-holes, bushings, and fasteners while maintaining secure transport capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical fastening system (bolts, nuts, flanges) with a friction-based mechanical grip system. The grip mechanism uses friction forces generated by normal contact forces between the grip elements and the tubular structure surface to secure the structure during transport, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and flanged connections
2Reliability
If temporary flanges are provided to convey stiffness to flangeless structures, then the structure can be secured during transport, but the overall transport cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the tubular structure to serve itself during transport by utilizing its own outer surface geometry for gripping. The grip mechanism engages directly with the existing outer surface of the flangeless structure, allowing the structure to be secured without requiring any additional flange components or modifications, thereby eliminating extra manufacturing and transport costs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the gripping parameter from mechanical interlocking (flanges and fasteners) to friction-based contact. By adjusting the normal contact forces applied by the grip mechanism, the system achieves secure holding through friction, eliminating the need for temporary flanges and associated costs while maintaining transport reliability
3Ease of operation
If flanges are added to enable bolting, then the structure can be secured to support fixtures, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flange component from the structure design entirely. Instead of adding flanges to enable securing operations, the patent develops a grip mechanism that directly engages with the plain outer surface of the flangeless tubular structure, eliminating the need for flanges, through-holes, and associated manufacturing complexity while maintaining full securing capability during transport
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
The transport apparatus enables secure and cost-effective transportation of heavy, flangeless tubular structures by eliminating the need for fasteners and reducing the time and expense associated with securing multiple towers during transport.
Implementation Method 1
the connection is essentially maintained by friction
Data Source
AI summary
A transport apparatus for use in the transport of a heavy structure includes a shape-adjustable adapter realized to adjust between an initial shape and a mating shape; and an actuator configured to effect a change in shape of the shape-adjustable adapter into its initial shape to facilitate positioning of the adapter relative to the structure; and to effect a change in shape of the shape-adjustable adapter into its mating shape to engage the shape-adjustable adapter with a surface of the structure. A method of securing a frustoconical structure during transport is further provided.