Adjustable Blade Support Members for Wind Turbine Handling Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine blade handling systems are inflexible and pose hazards due to their rigid, closed-ring designs, which are difficult to mount on larger blades and hinder access for surface treatments.
Innovation Solution
A universal wind turbine blade handling apparatus featuring a frame with adjustable support members, including pillars, moveable shafts, and pads, allowing for customizable support and access to the blade surface for treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional closed-ring blade carts are used, then blade support function is provided, but mounting difficulty and hazards increase with larger blade dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-ring cart structure is divided into multiple independent support members that can be separately positioned and adjusted along the blade span, eliminating the mounting difficulties of large rigid rings while maintaining support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are made adjustable in position and height, allowing the system to adapt to different blade sizes and configurations, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining adequate support strength
2Strength
If conventional closed-ring blade carts are used, then blade support function is provided, but access to blade surfaces for treatment is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous ring structure is segmented into discrete support members spaced along the blade, creating gaps that allow personnel and equipment to access the blade surface at leading and trailing edges for treatment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is redistributed from a two-dimensional ring encircling the blade to a series of three-dimensionally positioned support members, allowing access through the previously blocked areas while maintaining support capability
3Manufacturing precision
If dedicated handling equipment is used for single blade type, then handling precision is improved, but device complexity and lack of universality increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed with adjustable positioning and configuration capabilities, allowing a single apparatus to handle multiple blade types and sizes, thereby reducing the need for dedicated equipment while maintaining handling precision through proper adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The support system allows adjustment of key parameters such as support member position, height, and spacing to match different blade geometries, enabling one apparatus to achieve precision handling across various blade configurations without requiring specialized designs for each type
Data Source
AI summary
An automatically adjustable universal wind turbine blade handling apparatus including a rigid frame supporting a base plate and a plurality of adjustable support members. The support members are spaced from each other and include a vertical pillar, a moveable shaft that can be telescopingly extended or retracted, and a pivotable pad coupled to shaft. The plurality of support members are automatically adjusted to position the pad at predetermined heights and/or angles to accommodate a variety of blade types/sizes.