Wind Turbine Brake Piston Collet Pulling for Stuck Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing brake pistons from wind turbine brake assemblies are time-consuming and expensive, often requiring cutting when pistons become stuck due to wear.
Innovation Solution
A tool and method involving a base member and puller assembly with a collet that engages the brake piston, allowing it to be slid out of the assembly without cutting, using a nut to exert force and a disk to engage/disengage the collet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cutting processes are used to remove stuck brake pistons, then the piston can be removed from the brake assembly, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the brake piston from the stuck condition by applying a pulling force through a removal tool. The tool engages with the piston and extracts it from the brake assembly without requiring cutting or destructive processes, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable removal and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a removal tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the stuck brake piston. This mediator applies controlled force to free the piston from its stuck position, enabling removal without time-consuming cutting operations while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If cutting processes are used to remove stuck brake pistons, then the piston can be removed from the brake assembly, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the brake piston using a mechanical pulling tool rather than cutting processes. This extraction method eliminates the need for expensive cutting equipment and operations, thereby reducing maintenance costs while maintaining the reliability of piston removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool serves as an intermediary that provides a cost-effective solution by applying mechanical force to free the piston. This mediator replaces expensive cutting processes with a simpler, more economical extraction method.
3Use of energy by moving object
If brake pads are allowed to wear severely, then operational friction is maintained, but the brake piston becomes stuck and requires complex removal processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary extraction of the brake piston before severe wear causes it to become permanently stuck. By providing a simple removal tool, maintenance can be performed at optimal intervals, preventing the piston from becoming embedded in the brake assembly and avoiding complex removal procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool acts as an intermediary that simplifies the maintenance process. It allows operators to easily extract the piston at regular intervals, preventing the need for complex cutting or drilling operations that would result from severe wear and stuck pistons.
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
Facilitates the removal of brake pistons from wind turbine brake assemblies quickly and cost-effectively, reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming processes like cutting.
Implementation Method 1
a nut to move the puller assembly relative to the base member
Implementation Method 2
a collet to engage an inner surface of the brake piston
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a tool 100 for removing a brake piston 50 from a brake assembly 46 of a wind turbine 10. The tool 100 includes a base member 102 configured for placement on a surface 66 of a brake piston sleeve 48. The tool 100 also includes a puller assembly 104 configured for insertion into an inner cavity 56 defined by the brake piston 50. The puller assembly 104 includes a first shaft 122 and a collet 106 coupled to the first shaft 122. The first shaft 122 is moveable relative to the base member 102. The collet 106 is configured to engage an inner surface 64 of the brake piston 50. Moving the first shaft 122 relative to the base member 102 slides the brake piston 50 relative to the brake piston sleeve 48.