Wind Turbine Tower Block Assembly System with Adjustable Gripping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine tower assembly systems face challenges such as high costs and damage during handling due to the use of cranes, and are not suitable for non-cylindrical shapes like frustoconical towers, with movement being delicate and dangerous, especially in windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a lifting structure with retractable rods capable of gripping blocks of varying diameters, supported by a guide device and motor means, allowing for secure handling and assembly of cylindrical or tapered towers without the need for cranes, ensuring stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cranes are used to stack tower blocks, then assembly capability is provided, but cost increases and blocks may be damaged during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the support structure with gripping members) between the crane and the tower blocks. This intermediary system provides controlled gripping and lifting capabilities, reducing direct handling forces that cause damage while maintaining assembly functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, high-capacity cranes with a more economical lifting structure that uses multiple smaller lifting points. This distributed approach allows using less expensive equipment while achieving the same assembly result through coordinated multiple lifting points.
2Speed
If cables are pulled to lift blocks along the support structure, then blocks can be positioned vertically, but horizontal offset and tilting occur especially in strong wind
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is segmented into multiple independent gripping members distributed around the block. This segmentation allows each gripper to independently control its lifting point, enabling better stabilization against horizontal forces like wind while maintaining vertical lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple gripping members into a single integrated lifting structure that operates in coordination. By merging the functionality of multiple grippers into one unified system, the structure achieves both vertical lifting speed and horizontal stability, preventing tilting and offset.
3Ease of operation
If sliding devices are used between blocks and support structure, then movement is facilitated, but direct contact causes damage to blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping members act as intermediaries that eliminate direct contact between the support structure and the blocks. By introducing this intermediate gripping interface, the system facilitates movement while protecting the blocks from damaging contact forces.
4Device complexity
If fixed-length rods are used for gripping, then simple structure is achieved, but only cylindrical towers can be assembled
Solution Approach 1:
The rod length is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. This allows the gripping structure to adapt to different block diameters and tower shapes (cylindrical, frustoconical, etc.) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The adjustability is achieved through mechanisms that allow length variation without significantly increasing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for assembling a tower (2) for a wind generator, consisting of a plurality of blocks (6), said system comprising: a structure (11) for lifting each of said blocks (6), and a structure (12) for supporting said lifting structure (11), the lifting structure (11) being moveable in relation to the support structure (12), between a block (6) - gripping position and a block (6) - holding position, the lifting structure comprising a body (13) for gripping each block (6).