Inflatable Wind Turbine Opening Cover for Watertight Access Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fabric covers for wind turbine openings are cumbersome, prone to water ingress during high winds, and require additional framing, increasing weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A closure system featuring an inflatable closure that engages with the wind turbine structure to cover openings, providing a watertight seal and enhanced rigidity through ribs and multiple air-tight chambers, which can be remotely controlled for inflation and deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fabric covers are used to protect openings, then the interior is protected from the environment, but the covers are cumbersome, allow water ingress during high winds, and require additional framing that increases weight and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inflatable closure that uses pneumatic pressure to expand and seal against the opening. The closure transitions from a compact deflated state to an inflated sealed state, utilizing air pressure to create a tight fit without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems or additional framing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable closure is constructed as a flexible shell that can conform to the opening's geometry. This flexible membrane structure provides effective sealing while remaining lightweight and simple in design, eliminating the need for rigid framing components associated with conventional fabric covers.
2Reliability
If conventional fabric covers are used to protect openings, then the interior is protected from the environment, but the covers are prone to water ingress during high winds and require additional framing
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable closure uses pneumatic inflation to achieve a taut, wind-resistant configuration that effectively blocks water ingress. The pressurized air provides structural support to the flexible membrane, enabling it to withstand high wind loads without requiring heavy framing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure employs a lightweight flexible shell that, when inflated, creates an effective barrier against water and wind. This thin-film structure significantly reduces the weight compared to conventional rigid framed covers while maintaining protective reliability.
3Area of stationary object
If the closure system needs to be stored when not in use, then space is saved, but the closure must be deflated and packed
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system dynamically transitions between inflated and deflated states based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the closure to occupy minimal storage space when deflated while providing full protective function when inflated, with the operation simplified through automated or remotely controlled inflation/deflation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic inflation and deflation system enables rapid transformation between compact storage configuration and expanded protective configuration. This pneumatic mechanism simplifies operation compared to manual folding and packing, allowing controlled inflation and deflation through pressure regulation.
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 inflatable closure effectively protects wind turbine structures from environmental contaminants, reduces weight and complexity, and allows flexible access control, enhancing safety and efficiency during installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable closure that is inflatable into a deployed state in which the inflatable closure engages the surface so as to cover at least a portion of the opening
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A wind turbine structure comprises a surface defining at least in part an opening, and a closure system provided adjacent the opening. The closure system includes an inflatable closure that is inflatable into a deployed state in which the inflatable closure engages the surface so as to cover at least a portion of the opening.