Coupling Assembly for Wind Turbine Rotor Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coupling arrangements for transporting wind turbine rotor blades are time-consuming and risk damage during assembly and disassembly, and they compromise tipping stability and load distribution due to uneven weight distribution and the need for cranes for lifting.
Innovation Solution
A coupling arrangement featuring a detachable coupling element with movable coupling bolts and a counterweight system that allows for quick assembly and disassembly without direct contact with the transport vehicle, improving maneuverability and stability by adjusting the center of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw bolts are used to attach the rotor blade to the bracket, then the connection is secure, but the assembly and disassembly time is very long
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two main segments: a coupling element that remains permanently attached to the rotor blade, and a coupling device that is mounted on the bracket. This segmentation allows the time-consuming screwing operation to be performed only once during initial assembly, while subsequent attachments use a quick-coupling mechanism with movable coupling bolts that can be rapidly engaged and disengaged without extensive screwing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is pre-screwed to the rotor blade in a factory setting or during initial assembly, creating a permanent attachment. This preliminary action eliminates the need to repeatedly screw bolts during each transport assembly operation. The coupling device on the bracket is also prepared in advance with movable coupling bolts that can be quickly positioned and engaged, further reducing assembly time for subsequent operations.
2Loss of time
If the rotor blade is clamped to improve assembly speed, then assembly time is reduced, but damage to the rotor blade cannot be ruled out
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element serves as an intermediary component between the rotor blade and the coupling device. It provides a dedicated interface with precisely positioned eyes that receive the movable coupling bolts, ensuring proper alignment and distribution of forces. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between the coupling device and the rotor blade, eliminating the risk of damage while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed with a robust structure that absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses before they can reach the rotor blade. The eyes in the coupling element are positioned to receive the movable coupling bolts in a way that distributes loads evenly, preventing concentration of forces that could cause damage. This design provides a cushioning effect that protects the rotor blade during assembly, transport, and disassembly operations.
3Ease of operation
If the rotor blade is pivoted to improve maneuverability, then maneuverability is enhanced, but uneven weight distribution reduces tipping stability
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system enables dynamic positioning of the rotor blade through the bracket, allowing pivoting motion to improve maneuverability during transport. The movable coupling bolts in the coupling device facilitate this dynamic adjustment by allowing the bracket and attached rotor blade to pivot about a transverse axis. This dynamic capability enables the transport vehicle to negotiate tight curves more easily while maintaining secure attachment through the robust coupling element and coupling device design.
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
This solution reduces assembly time, prevents damage to the rotor blades, enhances tipping stability, and ensures even load distribution, allowing for efficient transportation without the need for heavy-duty cranes, while maintaining maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
a counterweight (40) supported on the carrier unit (26), this in relative to the carrier unit (26), the bracket (32) and the chassis (16) is movable
Implementation Method 2
At least one hydraulic cylinder is provided between the base frame and a first side of the tilting chair, by means of which the tilting chair can be pivoted relative to the base frame
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The coupling arrangement has domable clutch unit (56) which is releasably boltable with the end (14) of the elongated object (12) by clutch element (58) and is attached at the heavy load transport vehicle. The clutch unit has several movable clutch bolts.