Wind Tower Erection System with Self-Climbing Mechanisms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for assembling wind generator towers are cumbersome and complex, requiring intricate guiding elements and holding arms that can damage concrete subsections and complicate the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a rigid lifting frame with self-climbing mechanisms and monodirectional bearings, eliminating the need for complex guiding elements and allowing for efficient transfer of loads through load transfer members, along with articulated gripping arms that minimize strain on the concrete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If guiding elements are used to stabilize the lifting structure, then the lifting structure can be elevated, but the supporting structure becomes cumbersome and complex to assemble or disassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex supporting structure with guiding elements from the system. Instead, the lifting structure stabilizes itself through its own rigid frame geometry and self-climbing mechanisms that interact directly with the lifting legs, eliminating the need for separate supporting structure and guiding elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the supporting and lifting structures into a single integrated system. The lifting structure's rigid frame serves both as the lifting platform and as the stabilizing structure, with self-climbing mechanisms that directly interact with the lifting legs without requiring separate guiding elements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If holding arms bear against the tower to maintain verticality, then the tower can be kept vertical, but the holding arms become relatively complex to build and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex holding arms from the system. Verticality is maintained through the inherent rigidity of the lifting frame structure and the symmetric arrangement of self-climbing mechanisms on the lifting legs, which naturally keep the tower centered and vertical during elevation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses symmetrically arranged self-climbing mechanisms on opposite lifting legs that operate in unison, creating an equipotential system where forces are evenly distributed. This symmetry naturally maintains tower verticality without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If guiding elements operate at various heights of the lifting structure, then the lifting structure can be stabilized, but application of ovalization forces to concrete subsections increases the risk of damaging them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the multi-height guiding elements that applied ovalization forces to the concrete subsections. The rigid frame's inherent geometric stability and the self-climbing mechanisms' interaction with the lifting legs provide stabilization without contact forces on the concrete tower sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the rigid frame structure as an intermediary between the lifting legs and the tower. The frame absorbs and distributes all stabilization forces through its rigid geometry, preventing direct application of harmful forces to the concrete subsections.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assembling a tower for a wind generator having a succession of subsections (Si). The system including: a plurality of lifting legs, a lifting structure vertically movable on the lifting legs, the lifting structure including a rigid lifting frame for holding the tower under assembly, the lifting frame including load transfer members and the lifting structure including self-climbing mechanisms interacting between the load transfer members and the lifting legs for elevating or lowering the lifting structure, and at least a first set of gripping arms movable relative to the lifting frame between a retracted configuration and a gripping configuration.