Tower Unloading Tool Arrangement With Clamping Lift Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
The unloading and storage of tower structures, particularly wind turbine towers, from transportation vehicles often require multiple cranes, which can cause deformation and scratching due to direct contact with ropes or chains, and the erection process is complex, needing two cranes to avoid damage.
Innovation Solution
A tool arrangement with a bottom and top tool device, each equipped with adjustable clamping devices and lifting means, allows for the tower to be lifted and stored without cranes, using extendable pillars for stable support and a pivot mechanism for easy erection, eliminating the need for two cranes during the erection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two cranes are used to unload and erect the tower, then the tower can be lifted and positioned safely, but the process becomes complex and increases the risk of deformation and scratching from rope contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the tool arrangement with clamping devices and lifting means) that mediates between the tower and the ground/cranes. This intermediary system provides direct lifting capability through the tool arrangement itself, reducing reliance on external cranes and their ropes that cause deformation and scratching.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool arrangement enables the tower to be lifted and positioned using its own integrated lifting means rather than external cranes. The clamping devices attach directly to the tower's lifting sections, and the lifting means (extendable pillars) provide self-contained lifting capability, making the system self-sufficient.
2Speed
If cranes with ropes or chains are used to lift the tower, then the tower can be hoisted, but deformation and scratching occur due to direct contact
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping devices serve as intermediaries between the lifting means and the tower body. They provide contact points at the tower's lifting sections (flanges) rather than using ropes or chains that contact the tower surface, thereby preventing deformation and scratching while enabling lifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the rope-chain mechanical lifting system with a direct mechanical connection through clamping devices and extendable pillars. This substitution eliminates the harmful contact of flexible elements (ropes/chains) with the tower surface while maintaining lifting functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the tower is set down directly on the ground or on tower feet, then unloading is simple, but the tower structure may be damaged due to direct ground contact
Solution Approach 1:
The tool arrangement acts as an intermediary between the tower and the ground during unloading. The clamping devices maintain attachment to the tower while the lifting means support the tower weight, preventing direct ground contact and potential damage to the tower structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool arrangement is attached to the tower before unloading operations begin. This preliminary attachment ensures that the tower is securely held by the clamping devices and supported by the lifting means throughout the unloading process, preventing accidental ground contact and damage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable clamping devices are used to attach to the tower, then the tool arrangement can accommodate different tower sizes, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping devices incorporate adjustable elements that can dynamically adapt to different tower dimensions. The positioning means allow the clamping devices to be repositioned along the lifting sections, and the clamping force can be adjusted to match different tower sizes and weights, providing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool arrangement is designed as a universal system that can attach to various tower types and sizes through the adjustable clamping devices. The same basic structure and attachment mechanism can accommodate different tower configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
Tool arrangement for unloading a tower (4) or a tower segment from a transportation vehicle and/or for storing the tower (4) or the tower segment, comprising a bottom tool device (2) with an attachment means (7) to removably attach the bottom tool device (2) to a bottom mounting section (5) of the tower (4) or the tower segment, wherein the tool arrangement (1) further comprises a top tool device (3) with an attachment means (23) to removably attach the top tool device (3) to a top mounting section (6) of the tower (4) or the tower segment, wherein the bottom tool device (2) and the top tool device (3) each comprise a lifting means (35, 36) to lift the tower (4) or the tower segment, when the tower (4) or the tower segment is in a non-erected position and attached to the respective tool device (2, 3).