Wind Turbine Ascension Aid Catch Unit Testing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual checking of the catch device in wind turbine ascension aids is difficult due to its location on the roof, making it challenging to verify the functionality of the safety mechanism effectively.

Innovation Solution

A testing unit with a guide unit, entrainment unit, and actuating element is integrated into the ascension aid, allowing for simulated upward movement of the securing cable to trip the catch unit, enabling easy and defined testing of the catch device's functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual checking of the catch device is performed by direct access to the securing cable on the roof, then the catch device functionality can be verified, but the operation becomes difficult and time-consuming due to the location on the roof

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatch device functionality verificationVSAvoidmanual checking operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A testing unit with a guide unit and entrainment unit is introduced as an intermediary mechanism. The guide unit provides a defined path for the securing cable, while the entrainment unit pulls the cable upward through this guide path to simulate a drop scenario. This intermediary testing mechanism enables safe and easy verification of the catch device without requiring direct manual intervention on the roof.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The testing unit is pre-configured with a guide unit that defines the cable path and an entrainment unit ready to pull the cable. By preparing this testing mechanism in advance, the system can quickly and safely simulate drop scenarios and verify catch device functionality without requiring complex manual procedures or exposing personnel to roof hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the securing cable is pulled upward manually to test the catch unit, then the catch device functionality can be assessed, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety mechanism verificationVSAvoidtesting duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical process of pulling the securing cable is replaced by an automated entrainment unit within the testing device. This unit mechanically pulls the cable through a defined guide path, automatically simulating the drop scenario and triggering the catch device. This substitution reduces testing time and eliminates the complexity of manual cable handling while maintaining verification reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11577935B2Ascension aid for a wind turbine

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 WOBBEN PROPERTIES GMBH

AI summary

There is provided an ascension aid for a wind turbine comprising a cabin, a catch unit which co-operates with a securing cable as a securing means and a testing unit for testing the functionality of the catch unit. The testing unit has a base plate, a closure counterpart holder, a closing member and an actuating element coupled to the closing member. By actuation of the actuating element the closing member and the closure counterpart holder clamp the securing cable and the closing member and the closure counterpart holder move upwardly along the base plate. Upon release or de-activation of the actuating element the closing member releases the securing cable and the catch unit trips.