Asymmetric Torque Brackets for Wind Turbine Vibration Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Torque arm flapping, a natural vibration of torque brackets in wind turbine transmissions, poses a certification risk.

Innovation Solution

Implementing asymmetrical first and second torque brackets with different shapes and mass distributions to alter resonance behavior, potentially incorporating a weight on one bracket, to mitigate natural vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If symmetrical torque brackets are used, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but natural vibrations (torque arm flapping) occur at specific resonant frequencies causing certification issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidvibration stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by designing torque brackets with different geometries, mass distributions, or material properties so that each bracket has a different resonant frequency. This prevents synchronous vibration between brackets while maintaining individual structural integrity and load-bearing capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If asymmetrical torque brackets are implemented, then vibration resonance is mitigated by broadening the frequency spectrum, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration stabilityVSAvoidstructural asymmetry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing asymmetry only in specific regions of the torque brackets (such as mass distribution, thickness variations, or geometric features) rather than making the entire structure complex. This allows vibration mitigation while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity in other areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Broadens the resonance frequency spectrum, reducing the occurrence of torque arm flapping and enhancing vibration stability.

Implementation Method 1

the first torque bracket and the second torque bracket are asymmetrical to each other... alter resonance behavior... broadens the resonance frequency spectrum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS12601397B2Asymmetric torque brackets
Publication Date: 2026.04.14 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • US12601397B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A transmission for a wind turbine includes a first torque bracket and a second torque bracket. The first torque bracket and the second torque bracket are asymmetrical to each other. The torque brackets may include a support arm and a fastening member. The fastening member can be fixed to a machine carrier.