Transport apparatus

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2022388815-A1
Application number	US-202017770100-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Oct 9, 2020
Priority date	Oct 24, 2019
Publication date	Dec 8, 2022
Grant date	—

Abstract

A transport apparatus for use in the transport of a heavy structure includes a shape-adjustable adapter realized to adjust between an initial shape and a mating shape; and an actuator configured to effect a change in shape of the shape-adjustable adapter into its initial shape to facilitate positioning of the adapter relative to the structure; and to effect a change in shape of the shape-adjustable adapter into its mating shape to engage the shape-adjustable adapter with a surface of the structure. A method of securing a frustoconical structure during transport is further provided.

First claim

1 . A transport apparatus for use in the transport of a heavy structure, the transport apparatus comprising:
a shape-adjustable adapter configured to adjust between an initial shape and a mating shape; and an actuator configured to, effect a change in shape of the shape-adjustable adapter into the initial shape to facilitate positioning of the shape-adjustable adapter relative to the heavy structure, and effect a change in shape of the shape-adjustable adapter into the mating shape to engage the shape-adjustable adapter with a surface of the heavy structure.

2 . The transport apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the shape-adjustable adapter has an essentially circular cross-section between a fixed end and a variable end, further wherein a diameter at the variable end is larger in the mating state than in the initial state.

3 . The transport apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the shape-adjustable adapter comprises a high-friction surface arranged to lie against surface of the heavy structure.

4 . The transport apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the shape-adjustable adapter comprises a plurality of plates linked together, further wherein the transport apparatus further comprises an actuator-controlled mechanism for moving the plurality of linked plates between the initial shape and the mating shape.

5 . The transport apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the shape-adjustable adapter comprises an inflatable mantle configured to assume the initial shape when deflated, and to assume the mating shape when inflated.

6 . The transport apparatus according to claim 1 , a mechanism configured to effect the change in shape of the shape-adjustable adapter between the initial shape and the mating shape.

7 . The transport apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the transport apparatus is a lifting fitting of a lifting apparatus.

8 . The transport apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the transport apparatus is a fixture mounted on a deck of a transport vessel.

9 . The transport apparatus according to claim 1 , comprising a release means configured to assist in releasing the heavy structure from the transport apparatus.

10 . The transport apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the transport apparatus is configured for use in the transport of a frustoconical structure, further wherein the mating shape of the shape-adjustable adapter is essentially frustoconical.

11 . The transport apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the shape-adjustable adapter in the initial state is smaller than an interior volume of the frusto-conical structure.

12 . A method of securing a structure during transport, the method comprising:
providing the transport apparatus according to claim 1 , controlling the actuator to effect a change in shape of the shape-adjustable adapter into the initial shape; positioning the adapter relative to the structure; and engaging the shape-adjustable adapter with the structure by controlling the actuator to effect the change in shape of the shape-adjustable adapter into the mating shape.

13 . The method according to claim 12 , wherein the step of providing the transport apparatus comprises a step of mounting the transport apparatus as a fixture onto a deck of a transport vessel.

14 . The method according to claim 12 , wherein the step of providing the transport apparatus comprises a step of suspending the transport apparatus from a lifting assembly.

15 . The method according to claim 12 , comprising a step of controlling the actuator to effect the change in shape of the shape-adjustable adapter into initial shape to release the shape-adjustable adapter from the structure.

Assignees

• Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy As

Inventors

• Soerensen Johnny

Classifications

• B66C1/56 Primary

  for handling tubes · CPC title

• B66C1/46

  by inflatable elements · CPC title

• B66C1/427

  by hydraulic or pneumatic motors · CPC title

• B66C1/108 Primary

  for lifting parts of wind turbines · CPC title

• B66C1/54 Primary

  Internally-expanding grippers for handling hollow articles (B66C1/46 takes precedence) · CPC title