Wind Turbine Brake Piston Puller for Stuck Sleeve Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Brake pistons in wind turbine brake assemblies often become stuck, requiring time-consuming and expensive cutting processes for removal due to wear and frictional engagement with the tower.
Innovation Solution
A tool and method utilizing a puller assembly with a first shaft and collet to engage the inner surface of the brake piston, allowing it to slide relative to the brake piston sleeve, facilitating removal without cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cutting processes are used to remove stuck brake pistons, then the brake 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 using a puller assembly that applies extraction force to the brake piston, pulling it out of the brake assembly without requiring cutting processes. The puller assembly includes a pulling element that engages the brake piston and applies force to extract it from the stationary element and brake assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a puller assembly as an intermediary tool between the operator and the stuck brake piston. This intermediary device includes a pulling element, stationary element, and force application mechanism that work together to remove the brake piston without direct cutting or damaging operations.
2Reliability
If conventional cutting processes are used to remove stuck brake pistons, then the brake piston can be removed from the brake assembly, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the brake piston using a mechanical puller assembly that applies controlled extraction force, eliminating the need for expensive cutting processes. The pulling element directly engages the brake piston and pulls it out, providing a cost-effective removal method.
Solution Approach 2:
The puller assembly is designed to be self-contained and self-operating, requiring no external cutting equipment or specialized manufacturing processes. The force application mechanism automatically applies the necessary extraction force when activated, reducing operational costs and simplifying the removal process.
3Productivity
If brake pads are severely worn, then frictional engagement with the tower occurs, but the brake piston becomes stuck in the brake assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the puller assembly to pre-position the brake piston in a removed state before any damage or sticking occurs. The pulling element engages the brake piston and applies extraction force proactively, preventing the piston from becoming permanently stuck due to severe wear and frictional engagement.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective removal of brake pistons from wind turbine brake assemblies, reducing the time and expense associated with conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The collet is configured to engage an inner surface of the brake piston
Implementation Method 2
The first shaft is moveable relative to the base member. Moving the first shaft relative to the base member slides the brake piston relative to the brake piston sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a tool for removing a brake piston from a brake assembly of a wind turbine. The tool includes a base member configured for placement on a surface of a brake piston sleeve. The tool also includes a puller assembly configured for insertion into an inner cavity defined by the brake piston. The puller assembly includes a first shaft and a collet coupled to the first shaft. The first shaft is moveable relative to the base member. The collet is configured to engage an inner surface of the brake piston. Moving the first shaft relative to the base member slides the brake piston relative to the brake piston sleeve.