Tower Segment Lifting Arrangement for Crane-Free Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for unloading and erecting tower structures, such as wind turbine towers, require the use of cranes, which can cause deformation and scratching, and are inefficient, as they necessitate multiple cranes and complex procedures.
Innovation Solution
A tool arrangement comprising a bottom tool device and a top tool device with lifting means and attachment mechanisms that allow for the tower to be lifted and pivoted from a non-erected to an erected position without cranes, using extendable pillars and adjustable attachment devices for secure mounting and support, enabling self-support during storage and simplified erection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cranes are used to unload and erect the tower, then the tower can be lifted and positioned, but the risk of deformation and scratching increases, and the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the tool arrangement with lifting means and support sections) between the crane and the tower. This intermediary device distributes the lifting forces through multiple attachment points and provides stable support during the erection process, preventing direct contact between the crane and the tower that could cause deformation or scratching.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool arrangement is divided into multiple independent components including top and bottom tool devices, each with separate lifting means and support sections. This segmentation allows the forces to be distributed across multiple points on the tower, reducing stress concentration and minimizing the risk of deformation at any single location.
2Reliability
If multiple cranes are used to unload and erect the tower, then the tower can be safely handled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple cranes into a single crane system by using a tool arrangement that provides multiple lifting points and integrated support sections. The single crane can sequentially or simultaneously engage with multiple attachment points on the tower through the tool devices, achieving the safe handling that previously required multiple cranes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool arrangement serves multiple functions: it provides lifting attachment points, distributes forces, offers stable support during erection, and enables storage of the tower in non-erected position. This multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple specialized crane operations, simplifying the overall system while maintaining safety.
3Ease of manufacture
If the tower is stored on the ground in non-erected position, then storage is simple, but the tower may be damaged by contact with the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The support sections of the tool arrangement act as intermediaries between the tower and the ground. When the tower is stored in a non-erected position, the support sections provide elevated contact points that prevent direct ground contact, protecting the tower from damage while maintaining simple storage capability.
4Productivity
If traditional unloading methods are used, then the tower can be transported, but the unloading process is time-consuming and requires multiple vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The tool arrangement enables the tower to be self-supported during unloading and storage operations. The lifting means and support sections allow the tower to support its own weight without requiring continuous external assistance from multiple vehicles, significantly reducing unloading time and improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a tool arrangement for unloading a tower or a tower segment from a transportation vehicle and/or for storing the tower or the tower segment, including a bottom tool device with an attachment to removably attach the bottom tool device to a bottom mounting section of the tower or the tower segment, wherein the tool arrangement further includes a top tool device with an attachment to removably attach the top tool device to a top mounting section of the tower or the tower segment, wherein the bottom tool device and the top tool device each include a lift to lift the tower or the tower segment, when the tower or the tower segment is in a non-erected position and attached to the respective tool device.