Wind Turbine Tower Platform with Adjustable Adapter Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of wind turbine tower platforms requires multiple platforms of different sizes to be constructed and installed at varying heights within the tower, leading to increased design, construction, and installation costs, as well as time inefficiencies due to the need for custom designs for each tower section.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine tower platform with a substantially plane floor and adapter members that protrude radially from the edge, featuring adjustable extensions and tower connection members for secure mounting to the tower wall, allowing the same platform to be installed at different heights and diameters with minimal adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different sized platforms are constructed for each tower height and diameter, then the platform fits the specific tower section, but the design, construction, and installation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed with a standardized configuration that can be universally applied to different tower sections. The adapter members are made adjustable to accommodate varying tower diameters and heights, allowing a single platform design to serve multiple functions across different installation locations rather than requiring custom-designed platforms for each section
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter members incorporate adjustable elements that allow the platform to dynamically adapt to different tower dimensions. The adjustability mechanism enables the same platform structure to be configured for various diameters and heights, transforming a static design into a dynamically adaptable solution that reduces design iterations and installation time
2Adaptability or versatility
If different sized platforms are constructed for each tower height and diameter, then the platform fits the specific tower section, but the construction and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform design uses standardized components with universal adapter members that can be adjusted for different tower sections. This universality reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce multiple custom platform variants, as a single standardized platform design can be manufactured and then adapted to different installation requirements through the adjustable adapter members
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is segmented into a standardized main body and adjustable adapter members. This segmentation allows the core platform structure to be manufactured once as a standardized component, while the adapter members provide the necessary adaptability. The segmentation reduces overall manufacturing costs by separating the invariant platform design from the variable adaptation elements
3Loss of time
If a standardized platform is used for different tower sections, then design and manufacturing time is reduced, but the platform must be adapted to varying tower diameters and heights
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter members incorporate adjustable mechanisms that allow the standardized platform to adapt to different tower dimensions without requiring complex custom designs. The dynamic adjustment capability is integrated into the adapter members themselves, maintaining overall structural simplicity while providing the necessary adaptability across various installation scenarios
Data Source
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AI summary
It is described a wind turbine tower platform (1) to be installed within a wind turbine tower (36), comprising: a substantially plane floor (2) having an outer edge (3); plural adapter members (4, 4a,4b,4c,...) coupled to the floor (2) at different circumferential positions and protruding radially (6) outwards from the edge (3), an extension (Δr) of each radial protrusion being adjustable; the adapter members (4) having at radially outer portions respective tower connection members (8a,8b) for connecting the adapter members (4) to a tower wall (31) of the wind turbine tower (36).