Working platform device to work in a varying height und method therefor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The construction of wind turbine towers is inefficient due to the slow curing of leveling compounds at low temperatures, leading to prolonged downtimes and increased risks for workers during the manual positioning and lifting of heavy tower segments at higher altitudes.
Innovation Solution
A work platform device with a secure, adjustable work basket and lifting mechanism that allows safe and efficient movement of workers and equipment along the tower ladder, enabling precise positioning and assembly of tower segments while maintaining safety harnesses and reducing manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning and handling of tower segments is used, then workers can precisely position the segments, but the risk of injury and the time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning device that acts as a mediator between the crane and the tower segment. This device includes positioning elements that can be manually adjusted from the ground level to precisely position the tower segment, eliminating the need for workers to manually handle heavy segments at height while maintaining positioning precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If workers manually position tower segments at high altitudes, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device serves as an intermediary mechanism that transfers the positioning function from high-altitude manual operations to ground-level operations. The device includes adjustable positioning elements that can be controlled from the ground, simplifying the operational complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If leveling compound is used to align tower segments, then precise alignment is achieved, but curing time increases significantly at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the tower segment using the positioning device before the leveling compound is applied. The segment is temporarily held in the correct position by the positioning elements, allowing the leveling compound to cure without requiring the segment to remain adjustable, thereby reducing the impact of extended curing times at low temperatures.
4Weight of moving object
If a crane is used to lift tower segments, then heavy segments can be handled, but the crane remains idle during leveling compound curing
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device enables preliminary positioning of the tower segment while it is still suspended by the crane. Once the segment is positioned and the positioning elements are engaged, the crane can be released and moved to prepare for the next segment, eliminating idle time during the leveling compound curing process.
5Ease of manufacture
If workers remove carrying loops manually from tower segments, then the segments can be prepared for next installation, but the process requires significant personnel and time
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device acts as an intermediary that remains attached to the tower segment after positioning. This device includes features that facilitate the removal or detachment of carrying loops, automating or simplifying the preparation process for the next installation step and reducing the personnel and time required.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a work platform device 102 for working at variable heights in a tower 16 or tower section of a wind turbine. The work platform device comprises a work basket 120 for carrying a person to work in the tower at variable heights and a fastening section for safely attaching the work basket to a tower ladder equipped with a safety rail 112. The invention also relates to a method for erecting a wind turbine tower.