Wind Turbine Drive Train Transport Frame Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wind turbine drive trains are difficult to transport due to their large size and weight, exceeding standard truck dimensions, necessitating special transport and complicating return transport after unloading.

Innovation Solution

A transport frame comprising two interconnected frame parts that can be rearranged from a usage state to a transport state, allowing for easier handling and fitting within standard container and truck dimensions by shortening the length while maintaining width, with features like folding segments and vibration-damping elements for stability and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the transport frame dimensions correspond to the drive train dimensions, then the drive train can be accommodated, but the frame cannot fit on a normal truck for standard transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport frame capacityVSAvoidtransport frame length
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transport frame is divided into two separable frame parts that can be connected in different configurations. In the usage state, the frame parts are arranged side by side to provide sufficient capacity for the drive train. In the transport state, the frame parts are arranged one above the other to reduce the overall length and fit standard truck dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transport frame transitions from a two-dimensional side-by-side arrangement in the usage state to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement in the transport state. This dimensional change allows the frame to maintain adequate capacity while reducing the length dimension to fit standard transport vehicles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the transport frame is designed for standard truck dimensions, then it can be transported easily, but it cannot accommodate the large and heavy drive train

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport easeVSAvoidframe load capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The transport frame is designed as a dynamic structure that can change its configuration between usage and transport states. The frame parts can be repositioned and reconnected to transform from a compact transport configuration to an expanded usage configuration, allowing the same structure to serve both purposes with appropriate load capacity in each state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the transport frame is made as a single integrated structure, then it provides structural stability, but it cannot be reconfigured for different transport and usage states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe stabilityVSAvoidstate reconfigurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transport frame is segmented into multiple frame parts that can be connected and disconnected. Each frame part maintains its structural integrity and stability, while the connection between parts allows for reconfiguration between different states, combining both stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Volume of moving object

If special transport is used for the drive train, then the large dimensions can be accommodated, but the return transport also requires special transport increasing cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport frame capacityVSAvoidtransport logistics
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport frame is designed as a universal structure that can accommodate the drive train for transport while also fitting within standard truck dimensions. This multi-functionality allows the same frame to be used for both outbound and return transport using standard logistics, eliminating the need for separate special transport arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2686545B1Transportation frame for the drive train of a wind turbine system
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 SENVION GMBH
  • EP2686545B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2686545B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2686545B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a transportation frame for the drive train (16) of a wind turbine system, wherein the drive train (16) comprises a transmission (17) and a rotor shaft (18). The transportation frame is equipped with a transmission carrier (15) for the transmission (17) and with a rotor shaft carrier (21) for the rotor shaft (18). According to the invention, the transportation frame comprises a first frame part (29) and a second frame part (30). A user state and a transportation state are provided for the transportation frame. In the usee state, the first frame part (29) and the second frame part (30) are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the drive train (16). In the user state, the rotor shaft carrier (21) and the transmission carrier (15) are connected to the first frame part (29) and/or to the second frame part (30). In the transportation state, the first frame part (29) and the second frame part (30) are arranged one on top of the other. The transportation frame according to the invention has the advantage that in the transportation state it is so compact that it can easily be transported.