Wind Turbine Blade Segment Holding Device Spar Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing and transportation of large wind turbine blades are challenging due to their size, and existing methods for performing post-moulding operations on segmented blades are inefficient and costly, requiring multiple support elements and scaffolding.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a holding device that supports wind turbine blade segments at their spar structure, allowing for post-moulding operations on the shell structure without the need for outboard support elements, using a coupling member to engage the spar structure and suspend the blade segment, thereby freeing the outer shell surface for operations and reducing the need for scaffolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional support elements and scaffolding are used to hold blade segments during post-moulding operations, then the blade segment can be supported, but the outer shell surface becomes inaccessible and working height is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the support function from traditional scaffolding and support elements that contact the shell structure, and relocates it to the spar structure. The holding device engages only with the spar structure, leaving the shell structure completely free and accessible for post-moulding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device acts as an intermediary that transfers the support function from the shell structure to the spar structure. By engaging the spar structure with the coupling member, the holding device enables support without contacting the shell structure, thus resolving the conflict between support and accessibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple support elements are used to hold blade segments, then stability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the support function into a single integrated holding device that engages the spar structure. This eliminates the need for multiple separate support elements and scaffolding systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining stability through the inherent strength of the spar structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is designed to engage the spar structure, which serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling stability, and leaving the shell structure free for operations. This multi-functional engagement resolves the contradiction between stability and device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If scaffolding is used to provide working height, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the scaffolding system entirely from the support configuration. By engaging the spar structure with the holding device, the system achieves working height and accessibility without requiring scaffolding, thus eliminating the associated complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of performing at least one post-moulding operation on a blade segment (70) of a wind turbine blade. The method comprises the providing a holding device (88) for supporting the blade segment (70) at its spar structure (62), the holding device (88) comprising a coupling member (90) for engaging the spar structure (62). The blade segment (70) is held with the holding device (88) such that the spar structure (62) of the blade segment (70) is engaged by the coupling member (90), and performing at least one post-moulding operation on the shell structure (82) of the blade segment (70).