Wind Turbine Blade Pre-shaped Element Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of wind turbine blades is inefficient, with high manual labor and precision challenges, leading to increased manufacturing time and potential deformation of fibre-reinforced materials during handling.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using an engagement part with a support element and belt to accurately position and release pre-shaped elements onto a blade shell part, reducing manual labor and deformation by moving the support element and belt in coordinated velocities to collect and release elements with minimal disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and positioning of pre-shaped elements is used, then flexibility in placement is maintained, but manufacturing time increases and precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an engagement part with a belt as an intermediary device between the handling system and the pre-shaped element. The belt gently engages with the element and transports it to the desired position, eliminating the need for direct manual handling while maintaining precision and reducing manufacturing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated belt-based transport system. The engagement part with movable belt provides controlled movement of pre-shaped elements, substituting human labor with an automated mechanical system that improves both speed and precision.
2Productivity
If fast handling of pre-shaped elements is implemented, then manufacturing time decreases, but deformation of fibre-reinforced materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible belt as the engagement surface that can conform to the shape of pre-shaped elements. This flexible film approach allows for gentle contact and transport without rigid constraints that could cause deformation, enabling fast handling while preserving material integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt system provides cushioning support underneath pre-shaped elements during transport. By having a compliant surface ready in advance, the system prevents sudden impacts or stresses that could deform fibre-reinforced materials, allowing for faster handling speeds.
3Ease of operation
If automated positioning systems are introduced, then manual labor decreases and precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning system into discrete, modular components: an engagement part with a belt, support elements, and individual positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows for easier automation control and reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the positioning task into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements such as movable belts and adjustable support elements that can adapt their position and configuration. This dynamic capability enables automated positioning with simpler mechanisms, as the system can achieve precise placement through controlled movement rather than complex fixed structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a wind turbine blade includes the use of an apparatus having an engagement part. The engagement part has: a support element having a first support edge and a second support edge, a belt extending around the support element and forming a primary engagement edge of the engagement part along the first support edge of the support element. The method includes: providing one or more pre-shaped elements, including a first pre-shaped element, in a first element position, positioning the engagement part in a first position, moving the support element in a first direction with a first velocity to extend underneath the first pre-shaped element, and at the same time moving the belt relative to the support element around the first support edge in a primary direction from below the first support edge to above the first support edge with a primary velocity.