Wind Turbine Tower Elevator with Multi-Section Belt

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and operational challenges associated with using high lift capacity long boom cranes for installing and maintaining wind turbine components, coupled with the hazardous nature of elevated work environments, necessitate a more efficient and safer solution.

Innovation Solution

A wind turbine tower elevator system equipped with a multi-section belt and jacking systems that allows for the installation and maintenance of nacelles, blades, and other elevated components without the need for high lift capacity cranes, while providing safety features for crew transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If high lift capacity long boom cranes are used to install and maintain wind turbine components, then the installation and maintenance can be performed, but the capital expenses and operational expenses are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation and maintenance capabilityVSAvoidcapital expenses and operational expenses

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an elevator system as an intermediary device between the ground and the wind turbine components at elevation. This elevator with multi-section belt and jacking systems serves as a mediator to transport components and maintenance crews, replacing the need for expensive high lift capacity cranes while achieving the same installation and maintenance objectives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical crane lifting system with an elevator-based mechanical system. Instead of using cranes to lift and position components, the invention uses an elevator with belt-driven jacking systems to vertically transport components and personnel, substituting one mechanical system for another more cost-effective one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If high lift capacity long boom cranes are used for assembly and maintenance operations, then the operations can be completed, but the working environment becomes hazardous for crews

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and maintenance operation capabilityVSAvoidhazardous working environment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elevator system acts as a safe intermediary platform that transports maintenance crews to elevated positions without requiring them to work from precarious positions on cranes or at extreme heights. The enclosed elevator car provides protection and a stable working environment while reaching the necessary elevation for component maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simpler, more straightforward elevator system compared to complex high-capacity cranes. This simpler system reduces the inherent risks associated with complex heavy machinery operation at height, providing a more reliable and safer platform for crew transportation and maintenance operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If high lift capacity long boom cranes are used for component installation, then the installation can be performed, but the time and costs accumulate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent installation capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The elevator system enables continuous vertical transportation of components and personnel throughout the installation and maintenance processes. The multi-section belt system can continuously lift components from ground level to the turbine elevation without the setup, positioning, and teardown time required by crane operations, thereby reducing overall installation time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250154935A1Wind Turbine Tower Elevator with Tower Belt

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 GEHRING DONALD HOLLIS

AI summary

A wind turbine tower elevator with tower belt includes a first tower rail, a second tower rail, an elevator, a first jacking system, a second jacking system, a first locking system, a second locking system, and a multi-section belt. The first tower rail and the second tower rail guide the movement of the elevator along a wind turbine tower. The elevator facilitates the transportation of turbine blades and the nacelle. The elevator also retains the first jacking system, the second jacking system, the first locking system, and the second locking system. The first jacking system and the second jacking system enable the movement of the elevator along the wind turbine tower. The first locking system and the second locking system secure the elevator in place at the desired location along the wind turbine tower. The multi-section belt secures the elevator to the wind turbine tower and guides the elevator movement.