Tower Pivoting Tool Arrangement for Single-Crane Erection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Erecting pre-casted tower structures, especially for wind turbines, often requires two cranes to lift and pivot the tower segments, risking deformation or damage, and lacks efficient, cost-effective methods for safe and stable single-crane operations.
Innovation Solution
A tool arrangement with a bottom tool device and a top tool device, featuring pivot axes, adjustable attachment means, and lifting mechanisms, allowing a single crane to pivot and lift tower segments safely and efficiently from a non-erected to an erected position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two cranes are used to lift and pivot tower segments, then the tower can be erected safely, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bottom tool device as an intermediary support system that rests on the ground and provides a pivot axis. This mediator allows the tower segment to be pivoted from horizontal to vertical position while supported, eliminating the need for the second crane that would otherwise be required to support the lower end during erection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the support function from the crane system and relocates it to a ground-based bottom tool device. By taking out the support function from the lifting equipment, the system can use a single crane dedicated to lifting while the bottom tool device handles support and pivoting.
2Stability of the object's composition
If two cranes are used for tower erection, then stable lifting is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom tool device acts as an intermediary that provides stable support on the ground, replacing the need for a second crane. The device includes support legs that rest on the ground and a pivot axis that enables controlled rotation, providing stability throughout the erection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom tool device enables the tower segment to pivot and erect itself under the action of a single crane. The device provides its own support and stabilization functions, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional lifting equipment.
3Productivity
If a pivot axis is introduced at the bottom tool device, then single-crane operation becomes possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom tool device is segmented into distinct functional components: support legs that rest on the ground, a pivot axis mechanism, and attachment means for securing the tower segment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall device manageable despite its complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot axis introduces dynamic capability to the bottom tool device, allowing it to transition from a static support structure to an active pivoting mechanism. This dynamic element enables the tower segment to rotate from horizontal to vertical position while remaining attached to the tool device.
Data Source
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AI summary
Tool arrangement for pivoting a tower (4) or a tower segment from a non-erected position to an erected position, comprising a bottom tool device (2) with a first device section (9) with an attachment means (7) to removably attach the first device section (9) to a bottom mounting section (5) of the tower (4) or the tower segment, and with a second device section (10) adapted to be arranged on the ground and being attachable or attached to the first device section (9), wherein the bottom tool device (2) comprises a pivot axis (12) at least when the first and the second device sections (9, 10) are attached to each other, wherein the tower (4) or the tower segment, when fixed to the bottom tool device (2), is pivotable around the pivot axis (12) when being erected, wherein, when the tower (4) or the tower segment is fixed to the bottom tool device (2), the pivot axis (12) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (48) of the tower (4) or the tower segment.