Wind Turbine Tower Lifting Device with Rotatable Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lifting and guiding devices for wind turbine tower sections often cause scratches and damage during installation due to direct contact between segments, which complicates handling and increases the risk of surface damage.

Innovation Solution

A lifting and guiding device with a support part and a rotatable part that maintains a secure distance between tower segments, featuring through holes for secure attachment, a curvature matching the tower section, and rotatable parts to prevent collision and facilitate axial movement, along with attachments for crane equipment and securing lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If crane equipment is connected directly to tower sections for lifting, then lifting operation is simplified, but the treated surface of the sections is scratched and damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting operationVSAvoidsurface damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a lifting device as an intermediary between the crane equipment and the tower section. This lifting device includes a support part that contacts the tower section and a rotatable part that interfaces with the crane, preventing direct contact between the crane and the tower section surface, thereby avoiding scratches while enabling lifting operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If tower sections are handled directly during installation, then handling process is simplified, but segments collide and cause scratches on the treated surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling efficiencyVSAvoidsurface scratches
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device serves as a mediator during the installation process, with the rotatable part maintaining a secure distance between segments. This prevents direct collision between segments while allowing efficient handling and axial movement during installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If segments are allowed to approach each other freely during installation, then installation speed is increased, but precise alignment and connection cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable part of the lifting device changes the spatial parameter by maintaining a predetermined secure distance between segments. This controlled distance parameter enables both fast installation and precise alignment, as the segments are guided into correct axial position during the installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Prevents scratches and ensures precise alignment and connection of tower segments during installation, allowing for safe and efficient handling and assembly of wind turbine towers while minimizing damage and optimizing the use of space during transportation.

Implementation Method 1

The rollers are made of rubber and pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the upper tower section by a spring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2580468B1A lifting and guiding device for handling wind turbine tower sections
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2580468B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2580468B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A lifting and guiding device (1) for handling wind turbine tower sections (10), comprising a support part (2) for being connected to a segment (11) of a tower section (10) and a rotatable part (3) which is secured in position to the support part (2).