Hinged Mast-Arm Connection for Vertical Axis Wind Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical axis wind turbines experience structural damage and fatigue due to turbulent winds, as their rigid mast-arm connections are prone to fractures and bends under centrifugal, gravitational, and aerodynamic loads.
Innovation Solution
A hinged connection member is introduced, featuring L-shaped brackets and pivot connectors that flexibly connect a polygonal mast with a turbine arm, allowing for equal load distribution across multiple points, thereby enhancing the mast-arm connection's ability to withstand turbulent forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid mast-arm connection is used (welding or fasteners), then the connection provides strong structural support, but it is prone to fractures and bends under turbulent wind loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a rigid static connection to a dynamic hinged connection. The mast-arm connection uses hinges that allow controlled movement and rotation, enabling the structure to adapt dynamically to turbulent wind loads rather than resisting them rigidly, thereby preventing fractures and bends while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the connection's degree of freedom and mechanical properties. The hinged connection changes the parameter of rigidity to flexibility, allowing the connection to deform elastically under load rather than fracturing, thus improving reliability while maintaining adequate structural support.
2Reliability
If a hinged connection is used to prevent fractures, then the connection becomes more flexible and resilient, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection into multiple hinged joints rather than a single rigid connection. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple hinge points, maintaining overall load-bearing capacity while providing flexibility at each joint to prevent fractures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by combining rigid components (mast and arm structures) with flexible hinged connections. This composite approach creates a hybrid system that exhibits both strength from the rigid elements and fracture resistance from the flexible hinges, resolving the contradiction between strength and reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple pivot connectors are used to distribute loads, then the load distribution improves and connection reliability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the hinged connection components to serve multiple functions. The pivot connectors not only provide the hinged connection for flexibility but also serve as load distribution points and structural attachment elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving load distribution and reliability.
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
The hinged connection effectively prevents fractures and bends, ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of the wind turbine by distributing loads evenly and increasing the connection's load-bearing capacity beyond conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
The hinged connection is able to support the maximum permissible load (e.g., due to gravitation and/or centrifugal force, loads due to wind turbulence, aerodynamics, and/or the like)
Implementation Method 2
The hinged connection is able to support the maximum permissible load (e.g., due to gravitation and/or centrifugal force, loads due to wind turbulence, aerodynamics, and/or the like)
Data Source
AI summary
A polygonal mast connected to an arm of a vertical axis wind turbine via a hinged connection member is disclosed. The connection member may include an L-shaped bracket having a first portion and a second portion disposed perpendicular to the first portion. The first portion may be attached to a mast exterior surface. The connection member may further include a first plate and a second plate. The first plate may be attached to the second portion and first plate plane may be disposed perpendicular to mast longitudinal axis. The second arm may be attached to an arm distal end and second plate plane may be disposed parallel to arm longitudinal axis. The connection member may additionally include a first pivot connector and a second pivot connector pivotally connecting the first plate and the second plate. The arm distal end may be disposed between the first and second pivot connectors.