Composite Part Rotation Support for Discrete Angular Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rotation of large composite components in wind turbine blade manufacturing is a time-consuming and risky process due to the need for manual labor and the use of lifting equipment, which can affect the quality and efficiency of the final product.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising a stationary and rotatable support that secures and rotates composite parts, such as spar caps, to discrete angular positions without the need for additional lifting equipment, allowing for safer and more controlled inspection and surface treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lifting equipment and manual labor are used to rotate composite parts, then the composite parts can be rotated, but the process becomes time-consuming and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual lifting equipment and human labor with an automated rotational support system that uses mechanical actuators to rotate composite parts. The system includes a support structure with rotational capability that can automatically position and orient parts without requiring crane operators or manual handling, thereby eliminating the time-consuming and risky manual rotation process while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational support system is designed to autonomously rotate and position composite parts without requiring external manual intervention. The system includes self-contained actuators and control mechanisms that enable the part to be rotated to predetermined angular positions automatically, making the rotation process self-service rather than dependent on external lifting equipment and operators.
2Ease of operation
If lifting equipment is used to rotate composite parts, then rotation can be achieved, but safety risks increase for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for operators to work near heavy lifting equipment by replacing manual rotation with an automated mechanical rotational system. The support structure with integrated actuators performs all rotation operations automatically, removing operators from hazardous zones and eliminating safety risks associated with manual crane operation and heavy part handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational support system acts as an intermediary between the composite part and the external environment, providing a controlled interface that eliminates direct human interaction with heavy loads. The system includes safety features such as controlled movement mechanisms and positioned support elements that mediate the rotation process, ensuring operator safety while maintaining operational capability.
3Ease of operation
If manual labor is used to rotate composite parts, then rotation can be performed, but the process becomes complex and requires intense manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual labor processes with a streamlined automated rotational support system. The system integrates the support structure, actuators, and control mechanisms into a unified automated assembly that performs rotation operations automatically, reducing operational complexity despite the added mechanical components. The automation simplifies the workflow by eliminating manual coordination and multiple operator requirements.
4Ease of operation
If lifting equipment is used to rotate composite parts, then rotation can be achieved, but production rate is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The automated rotational support system replaces slow manual rotation processes with rapid automated positioning. The system can rotate parts to multiple angular positions quickly and precisely without requiring repeated manual intervention, significantly reducing the time required for inspection and surface treatment operations and thereby increasing overall production rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational support system enables continuous rotation and positioning operations without interruption. The automated mechanism can sequentially position parts at multiple angular positions without stopping for manual repositioning, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the inspection and treatment process, thereby maximizing production efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to support and support assemblies for rotating a composite part. The support comprises a stationary support and a rotatable support, wherein the stationary support is configured to support the rotatable support, and the rotatable support is configured to receive and secure the composite part, and wherein the rotatable support is configured to rotate with respect to the stationary support. The present disclosure further relates to methods and assemblies for rotating composite parts.