Wind Turbine Blade Segment Fixing Device Mold Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixating wind turbine blade halves in molds during manufacturing are inadequate, as they fail to prevent the blade halves from falling out or becoming displaced, especially after the vacuum is switched off, leading to alignment and adherence issues when connecting the blade segments.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a first portion that removably fixes the blade segment's fixating portion to the mold and a second portion that secures the fixing device to the mold, using various mechanisms such as wedges, inflatable structures, mechanical locks, and tacky tapes to maintain the blade segment in place during manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a curved fixating portion is used to engage a protrusion on the mold, then the blade half can be fixated, but the blade half may still fall out or become displaced when rotated to be put on top of another mold
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion that removably fixates the blade segment at its fixating portion to the mold, and a second portion that fixates the fixing device itself to the mold. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device is installed and secured to the mold before the blade segment is placed. The second portion fixates the fixing device to the mold in advance, ensuring that the fixation mechanism is already in place and ready to securely hold the blade segment when it is positioned, preventing any displacement during rotation or assembly.
2Reliability
If suction is established between the inside wall of the mold and the film to hold the composite material, then the blade segment can be fixed, but the fixation may be insufficient after vacuum is switched off
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device acts as an intermediary mechanical structure between the blade segment and the mold. Instead of relying solely on vacuum suction, the fixing device provides direct mechanical engagement through its two portions: one that contacts the blade segment's fixating portion and another that secures to the mold. This intermediary mechanism ensures stable fixation that persists after the vacuum is switched off.
3Reliability
If an inflatable envelope is placed on the composite material and inflated to keep the blade segment in place, then the blade segment can be held during mold closing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for complex inflatable envelopes or balloons by using a simpler two-portion fixing device. The first portion provides direct mechanical fixating of the blade segment, while the second portion secures the fixing device to the mold, achieving the same position-holding function without the complexity of inflatable structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device for fixating a segment of a wind turbine blade to a mold in which the blade segment is manufactured, wherein the blade segment has a fixating portion. The fixing device comprises: a first portion for removably fixating the blade segment at its fixating portion to the mold; and a second portion for fixating the fixing device to the mold.