Extendable Hinge Pin for Wind Turbine Blade Aileron Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine control surfaces like ailerons and flaps face challenges in easy installation, maintenance, and durability due to harsh environmental conditions and remote locations, requiring a reliable and efficient connection system that can withstand varying loads and stresses.
Innovation Solution
A hinged connection apparatus with extendable hinge pins and a locking mechanism, allowing for easy installation and repair, featuring a positioning element for manual or motorized operation, and a design that minimizes aerodynamic disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid connection systems are used for control surfaces, then structural strength is improved, but ease of installation and maintenance deteriorates due to difficult access and complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into modular components: hinge pins that can be independently inserted, positioning elements that can be independently adjusted, and locking mechanisms that can be independently engaged. This segmentation allows each component to be installed and serviced separately, greatly improving ease of installation and maintenance while maintaining overall connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge pins are designed to be movable between locked and unlocked positions, and the positioning elements can be adjusted dynamically. This dynamic design allows the connection system to transition from a rigid permanent fixture to an adjustable, serviceable connection, improving ease of installation and maintenance while maintaining structural integrity through the locking mechanism.
2Ease of repair
If extendable hinge pins with locking mechanisms are used, then ease of installation and maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning elements are integrated within the hinge pin structure, and the locking mechanisms are incorporated into the same assembly. This nesting reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining ease of maintenance through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge pin serves multiple functions: it provides the structural connection, incorporates the positioning element for alignment, and includes the locking mechanism for securing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while improving ease of maintenance.
3Productivity
If control surfaces are located at the trailing edge of the blade, then aerodynamic function is improved, but accessibility for maintenance deteriorates due to remote location
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into independent, modular components that can be accessed and serviced separately. This allows maintenance personnel to work on individual hinge pins or locking mechanisms without needing to access the entire control surface assembly, improving maintenance accessibility while preserving the aerodynamic function of the trailing edge location.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge pins and locking mechanisms are pre-configured and pre-positioned during manufacturing, allowing for quick installation and adjustment during maintenance. This preliminary preparation reduces the time and complexity of on-site maintenance operations at the remote trailing edge location while maintaining optimal aerodynamic performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinged connection apparatus is described for securing a first wind turbine component to a second. The first wind turbine component may be a wind turbine blade (10) and the second wind turbine component may be a control surface such as an aileron (11). The first or second wind turbine component comprises at least one hinge housing in which a hinge pin (16, 26) is retained. The hinge pin (16, 26) may be extended from a retracted position into an extended position in which it engages with a hinge recess on the other wind turbine component to form a connection. A locking mechanism is provided for securing the hinge pin in place. The hinge pin may be extended manually or automatically by an actuator.