Method and apparatus for transporting wind turbine blades

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10024299-B2
Application number	US-201615257488-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Sep 6, 2016
Priority date	Oct 15, 2010
Publication date	Jul 17, 2018
Grant date	Jul 17, 2018

Abstract

A system for transporting wind turbine blades includes a frame assembly for retaining a set one or more wind turbine blades and a plurality of inflatable devices coupled to the frame assembly.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A method of transporting a set of one or more wind turbine blades, comprising:
releasably attaching the set of one or more wind turbine blades to a frame assembly;
supporting a portion of the set of one or more wind turbine blades by inflating a plurality of inflatable devices coupled to the frame assembly
determining if leakage has occurred for the plurality of inflatable devices during transport of the set of one or more wind turbine blades; and
re-inflating the plurality of inflatable devices from a source in response to a determination that leakage has occurred for the plurality of inflatable devices during transport of the set of one or more wind turbine blades.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the releasably attaching the set of one or more wind turbine blades to the frame assembly comprises:
supporting at least a portion of the one or more wind turbine blades with a flexible tension member.

3. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
releasably attaching a mechanical fastener to an end of one of the one or more wind turbine blades via a support bracket.

4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
releasably attaching an enclosure component to the frame assembly to form an enclosure.

5. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
releasably attaching the frame assembly to a support structure, wherein the support structure is coupled to a mode of transportation.

6. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
detaching the frame assembly from the support structure;
detaching an enclosure component from the frame assembly;
detaching a mechanical fastener attaching an end of one of the one or more wind turbine blades to a support bracket;
deflating the plurality of inflatable devices; and
detaching the set of one or more wind turbine blades from the frame assembly.

Assignees

• Kelly Thomas P
• Bnsf Railway Co

Inventors

• Kelly Thomas P

Classifications

• Y10T29/49815

  Disassembling · CPC title

• Y10T29/49947

  by applying separate fastener · CPC title

• B60P3/40 Primary

  for carrying long loads, e.g. with separate wheeled load supporting elements ({E04G21/14 takes precedence}; signal devices to be attached to overhanging load B60Q7/02) · CPC title

• Y10T29/49826

  Assembling or joining · CPC title

• F03D13/40 Primary

  Arrangements or methods specially adapted for transporting wind motor components · CPC title