Self-Propelled Tower Crane with Adjustable Diagonal Braces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tower cranes used for assembling wind turbines face challenges in efficiently transporting and assembling turbines on uneven terrain without disassembly, as they require large capacities and struggle to maintain stability and orientation on slopes.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled tower crane system with a transport assembly that includes a central support frame, telescoping diagonal and horizontal braces, and self-propelled transporters equipped with inclination sensors and control systems to maintain a predetermined inclination and automatically adjust to terrain changes, allowing for stable transport and assembly of wind turbines on uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large capacity tower crane is used to assemble wind turbines, then the crane can handle heavy turbine components, but the crane struggles to maintain stability and orientation on uneven terrain and slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The transport assembly incorporates actively adjustable diagonal braces with linear actuators that dynamically adapt to terrain variations. The inclination sensors continuously monitor the crane's orientation, and the control system automatically adjusts the brace positions to maintain stability, transforming a static structure into a dynamic system that responds to changing ground conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the support structure by extending or retracting the diagonal braces based on detected inclination. The linear actuators modify the length and position of the braces, altering the geometric parameters of the transport assembly to compensate for uneven terrain and maintain the crane's central axis orientation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional tower crane is transported to a new location, then the crane can be relocated, but the crane requires disassembly and reassembly which reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The tower crane is divided into functional modules: the tower assembly, boom assembly, and transport assembly. The transport assembly with its adjustable braces and self-propelled transporter enables the crane to be moved as a complete or partially complete unit, reducing the need for full disassembly and reassembly while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the tower crane, enables self-propelled movement to new locations, and actively stabilizes the crane during transport on uneven terrain. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate transport equipment and reduces setup time at new locations.
3Device complexity
If the tower crane uses fixed support structures, then the structure is simple and stable, but the crane cannot adapt to varying terrain and slope conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The diagonal braces transition from fixed to dynamically adjustable elements. The linear actuators enable the braces to change position and length in response to terrain variations, allowing the support structure to adapt to slopes and uneven ground while maintaining relative structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination sensors provide continuous feedback about the crane's orientation relative to gravity. This feedback is processed by the control system, which automatically adjusts the diagonal brace positions to maintain the desired central axis orientation, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to terrain changes.
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 transportation and assembly of wind turbines on uneven terrain by maintaining stability and orientation, reducing the need for disassembly and enhancing operational efficiency on slopes and uneven grades.
Implementation Method 1
the diagonal brace comprises a linear actuator configured to selectably extend and retract the diagonal brace
Implementation Method 2
the horizontal brace comprises a passive linear damper
Implementation Method 3
the guide assembly comprises an inclination sensor in signal communication with a control system of the transport assembly
Implementation Method 4
a control system configured to maintain a predetermined inclination of a central axis of the tower crane as the tower crane is transported by the transporter
Implementation Method 5
the transporter comprises a ground support pad actuatable between a retracted position spaced from a terrain on which the tower crane is positioned and a deployed position in contact with the terrain
Data Source
AI summary
A tower crane for assembling a wind turbine includes a boom assembly including a boom and a hoisting block coupled to the boom, an extendable tower assembly including a plurality of tower sections, and a transport assembly including a central support frame coupled to the tower assembly, a self-propelled transporter configured to transport the tower crane, and a diagonal brace extending between the central support frame and the transporter, wherein the diagonal brace includes a linear actuator configured to selectably extend and retract the diagonal brace.