Wind Turbine Hub Bracket with Tensioning Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation of wind turbine hubs is complicated and expensive due to their large weight, requiring crane usage and posing challenges in height management during transport, and existing solutions result in paint damage and instability, particularly with loose wooden beams and shimming plates.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system for a transport frame that includes holding means and tensioning means to securely fasten the hub, preventing movement and damage, with a design that allows easy attachment and adjustment, using L-shaped base portions and elastically deformable materials for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If loose wooden beams and shimming plates are used to support the hub, then the hub can be transported, but the hub moves around and produces paint damages on the supporting surface
Solution Approach 1:
The transport frame is divided into multiple brackets (at least two brackets) that are distributed around the hub. Each bracket independently holds a portion of the hub, distributing the support function and preventing concentrated movement that causes paint damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means and tensioning means are merged into an integrated bracket system. The holding means secures the hub while the tensioning means applies controlled force, combining multiple functions into a single structural element that prevents hub movement without causing damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the hub is secured tightly to prevent movement, then paint damage is prevented, but the complexity of the transport frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system incorporates movable and adjustable elements. The tensioning means can be adjusted to apply appropriate force, and the brackets can be positioned at different locations around the hub, providing dynamic adaptation without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning means allows adjustment of tension parameters to optimize the securing force. By changing the tension parameter, the system achieves effective hub fixation while maintaining structural simplicity and avoiding over-engineering.
3Device complexity
If traditional lashing and wooden beams are used, then the transport frame structure is simple, but the hub is not securely held and moves during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means is pre-configured on the brackets to engage with the hub. Before transport begins, the tensioning means is activated to pre-load the holding means, ensuring the hub is securely positioned and preventing any movement during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means acts as an intermediary element between the bracket structure and the hub. It transfers and distributes the securing force evenly across the hub surface, providing reliable stabilization while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
4Reliability
If cranes are used to load and unload the hub, then the hub can be handled safely, but the procedure becomes very complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The transport frame with brackets and tensioning means is designed to enable self-service loading and unloading operations. The hub can be secured and released using the integrated bracket system without requiring external crane assistance, simplifying procedures and reducing costs while maintaining safety.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The bracket system facilitates safer and more efficient hub mounting and demounting, reduces paint damage, and prevents movement during transport, enhancing the stability and safety of the transport process.
Implementation Method 1
moving a contacting portion (7) of the holding means against a hub (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bracket (1) for a transport frame (4), configured to hold a hub (3) of a wind turbine in place at the transport frame (4) during transport of the hub (3), the bracket comprising holding means (5) for holding the hub (3) during the transport of the hub (3) and tensioning means (6) mechanically connectable with the holding means (5) and the transport frame (4) for attaching the holding means (5) at the transport frame (4), for moving the holding means (5) relative to the transport frame (4), and for moving a contacting portion (7) of the holding means (5) against the hub (3), which is arranged in a predetermined position on the transport frame (4). The invention further relates to a transport frame (4), comprising at least one of the inventive bracket (1).