Hydraulic Mould Aligner with Rotating Piston for Wind Turbine Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning and locking moulds for manufacturing wind turbine blades are imprecise and time-consuming, requiring manual adjustment and clamps, which increase manufacturing time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A mould aligner system with hydraulic cylinders and adjustable alignment segments that automatically align and lock moulds, using pressurized fluid to drive the alignment and locking process, reducing manual intervention and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment and clamps are used for aligning and locking moulds, then the system is simple to operate, but the alignment precision and manufacturing speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated alignment system using sensors (laser scanners, cameras) and actuators (hydraulic cylinders, electric motors) that automatically position and lock the moulds, achieving high precision without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment and self-locking through automated feedback control, where sensors detect position deviations and actuators automatically correct them, eliminating the need for external manual operation while maintaining high precision
2Productivity
If manual adjustment and separate locking operations are used, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment and locking operations into a single integrated automated process, where the positioning system and locking mechanism work together simultaneously, eliminating separate manual operations and reducing total manufacturing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment using sensors and actuators before the moulds are fully assembled, ensuring precise positioning is achieved in advance, which streamlines subsequent locking operations and reduces overall cycle time
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 mould aligner system significantly reduces manufacturing time and costs by providing precise and automated alignment and locking of moulds, enhancing the efficiency of wind turbine blade production.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic cylinder comprises a barrel and a piston rod. The piston rod is axially displaceable and rotatable with respect to the barrel. The hydraulic cylinder comprises a lock part comprising a first rod part and a locking element being provided on the first rod part.
Data Source
AI summary
A mould aligner is used to align and lock a first mould and a second mould for moulding shell parts of a wind turbine blade. The mould aligner includes a first alignment segment configured to be attached to a first mould and a second alignment segment configured to be attached to a second mould. The second alignment segment includes a hydraulic cylinder having a barrel and a piston rod. The piston rod is axially displaceable and rotatable with respect to the barrel. The hydraulic cylinder includes a lock part having a first rod part and a locking element being provided on the first rod part. The first rod part is configured for being received in and engaged in the locking cavity of the first alignment segment. The hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder part comprising the barrel and a second rod part having a piston.