Locking Pin Bushing Mechanism for Wind Turbine Blade Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The locking pin in wind turbine blades experiences undesirable sliding and rotary movement, leading to wear and potential cracking, which reduces its operational life and the reliability of the connection between blade segments, and the complex assembly process with multiple bushings complicates the configuration.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism with a plurality of bushings and primary and secondary restraining mechanisms, such as retention caps and threaded joints, is used to restrain the sliding and rotary movement of the locking pin, improving its stability and assembly process by using single-member bushings without flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple bushings with flanges are provided between the aperture and locking pin, then the locking pin is supported, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate bushings with flanges into a single integrated bushing component. This single bushing includes a body portion that provides support and a flange portion that provides structural support, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the reliability of locking pin support.
2Ease of manufacture
If the locking pin is allowed to move freely in the aperture, then the assembly is simple, but wear and cracking occur reducing operational life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a single integrated bushing as an intermediary component between the locking pin and the aperture. This bushing mediates the interaction by providing a controlled interface that reduces friction and wear through its bearing surface, while also restraining excessive movement of the locking pin. This protects the locking pin from wear and cracking, extending its operational life while maintaining assembly simplicity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple bushings are used to house the locking pin, then the locking pin is stable, but the configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate bushings into a single integrated bushing component that performs all necessary functions. This single bushing includes a body portion that provides stability and support for the locking pin, and a flange portion that provides additional structural support. By combining these functions into one component, the configuration complexity is reduced while maintaining the stability of the locking pin.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for restraining movement of a locking pin is disclosed. The mechanism includes a plurality of bushings 1. At least one of the plurality of bushings is provided in an aperture 76,78 and on either ends of the locking pin 74. Further, at least one primary restraining mechanism 7 is configured in the at least one bushing 1 at one end of the locking pin 74, where the primary restraining mechanism 7 is fixedly connected to the at least one bushing 1 and is configured to restrain at least one of sliding and rotary movement of the locking pin 74.