Wind Turbine Nacelle Panel Tension Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of wind turbine nacelle housings is challenging due to the need for precise manufacturing tolerances between panels and substructures, often requiring manual rework to ensure proper connection, especially given the large surface areas and manufacturing tolerances in steel and GRP construction.
Innovation Solution
The housing design employs a tension element to hold a first section of the panel against the substructure, allowing for relative displacement and easy assembly without precise alignment, with a second section featuring fixed bearings for secure attachment, enabling adjustment and alignment through fastening elements, and incorporating adjustable tension elements and stiffening profiles for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If panels are manufactured with large surface areas and standard tolerances, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but assembly precision and connection quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The panel connection system is segmented into two functional zones: a first subsection that allows displacement and a second subsection that provides fixed attachment. This segmentation enables the panel to accommodate manufacturing tolerances in the first subsection while achieving precise connection in the second subsection, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and assembly precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the connection parameters by introducing a tension element that can adjust the panel's position. The tension element allows the panel to be positioned within a tolerance range (parameter variation) while maintaining proper connection, thus enabling standard manufacturing tolerances to achieve adequate assembly precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual rework is performed to ensure proper connection, then connection quality improves, but assembly time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The panel connection system is designed to be self-aligning through the tension element mechanism. The first subsection can displace to accommodate misalignment, and the tension element automatically adjusts to bring the second subsection into proper alignment for connection, eliminating the need for manual rework and maintaining high assembly speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system incorporates dynamic elements (the displaceable first subsection and adjustable tension element) that automatically adapt to manufacturing variations during assembly. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for static, precision-critical alignment and manual rework, thereby maintaining high productivity while ensuring connection quality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed supports are used for panel attachment, then structural stability improves, but adjustment capability and ease of assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into a displaceable first subsection that provides adjustment capability and a fixed second subsection that provides structural stability. This segmentation allows the panel to be easily positioned during assembly while ensuring stable connection when attached, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
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
This design simplifies the assembly process by reducing the need for precise panel and substructure alignment, allowing for easier connection and adjustment, thereby reducing assembly effort and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a tension element acting in a specific direction holds the first subsection against the substructure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Enclosure for a nacelle (14) of a wind turbine, in which a panel (22, 27) is connected to a substructure (31, 32). An imaginary straight line (36) extends across the panel (22, 27) and is aligned with an edge (37) of the panel (22, 27). The imaginary straight line (36) defines a first section (40) of the panel (22, 27) encompassing the edge (37). The first section (40) rests against the substructure (31, 32). The first section (40) is held against the substructure (31, 32) by a tension element (35) acting in a tensile direction. The first section (40) is displaceable relative to the substructure (31, 32) in a direction intersecting the tensile direction. The invention facilitates the assembly of the enclosure (17).