Wind Turbine Blade Clamping System With Elastic Force Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clamping systems for wind turbine blades lack the ability to precisely and reliably adjust the clamping force, leading to inconsistent and unpredictable clamping forces due to factors like friction variations and manufacturing tolerances, which is unsatisfactory for safely transporting and storing large blades.
Innovation Solution
A clamping system utilizing an elastic member, such as a coil spring, with a clamping force adjustment device that applies an elastic force proportional to the deflection from a characteristic rest length, allowing for precise adjustment of the clamping force through a biasing mechanism, ensuring consistent and reliable clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping system is used to secure the blade to the transportation unit, then the blade can be transported safely, but the clamping force cannot be precisely known or adjusted to a predetermined value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the spring element from a rigid mechanical connection to an elastic deformable element. By utilizing the elastic properties of the spring, the system can precisely control and adjust the clamping force through controlled deflection, transforming an unpredictable mechanical force into a precisely adjustable parameter based on Hooke's Law (F=kx).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the elastic deflection of the spring element provides direct information about the clamping force applied. The measurable deflection distance serves as feedback that allows operators to know exactly what clamping force is being applied, enabling precise control and adjustment to predetermined values without relying on friction-based mechanisms.
2Force
If friction-based adjustment mechanisms like screws or bolts are used, then clamping force can be applied, but the friction varies unpredictably over time and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the friction-based adjustment mechanism (screws, bolts, nuts) from the clamping system. By removing these components entirely and replacing them with a pure elastic spring mechanism, the system no longer relies on friction for force application or adjustment, thereby eliminating the reliability issues associated with variable friction coefficients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the traditional friction-based mechanical adjustment system with an elastic deformation-based system. Instead of using threaded connections that rely on friction between mating surfaces, the system uses the elastic properties of a spring element where force is determined by material properties and geometry rather than friction, providing consistent and predictable force application.
3Force
If Belleville spring washers are used to apply elastic force, then clamping force can be generated, but hysteresis and friction cause unpredictable force output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, straightforward spring element design that prioritizes predictable long-term performance over complex engineered solutions. By using a basic elastic element with well-understood mechanical properties rather than stacked Belleville washers with hysteresis, the system achieves better force predictability and reliability throughout its service life.
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
The system provides a reliable and precise method to adjust and maintain the clamping force, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing the impact of environmental factors, ensuring safe transportation and storage of wind turbine blades.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping force adjustment device, which comprises an elastic member (440) arranged between the first structure (220) and the second structure (240) so as to apply to the first structure (220) and the second structure (240) an elastic force with a magnitude having a predetermined and univocal dependency on the amount of deflection of the elastic member (440) with respect to a characteristic rest length
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proposes a device (1000) and a method for storing and transporting a wind turbine blade (100). The blade (100) is inserted between an upper structure (220) and a lower structure (240) applying a clamping force on the blade surface. The magnitude of the clamping force can be adjusted by means of a device (400) comprising an elastic member (440) arranged between the upper structure (220) and the lower structure (240) during operation. The magnitude of the elastic force exerted by the elastic element (420) is proportional to the magnitude of the clamping force. Furthermore, the magnitude of the elastic force linearly depends on the amount of compression of the elastic element (440) with respect to a characteristic rest length.