Parallel-Shaft Abrasive-Belt Grinding Tool for Wind Turbine Leading Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinding techniques for wind turbine blades are time-consuming, require skilled labor, and are inefficient for finishing and repairing the leading edge, with abrasive material service life being short.
Innovation Solution
A grinding tool with parallel shafts, a tension device, and an abrasive belt system that forms an imaginary curve, allowing for adjustable angles and multiple grit coarsenesses, enabling efficient finishing and repair of wind turbine blades with prolonged abrasive life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handheld polishing or vibration tools are used for grinding the leading edge, then the finishing operation can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and requires good skills to ensure a satisfactory result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces handheld vibration tools and polishing equipment with a mechanically driven abrasive belt system mounted on parallel shafts. The abrasive belt is tensioned between the shafts and driven by one of them, providing consistent mechanical grinding action that eliminates the need for skilled manual operation while significantly increasing productivity through continuous belt movement and automated material removal.
2Ease of repair
If handheld tools are used for maintenance grinding on site, then worn blade geometry can be restored, but the grinding process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding tool is designed as a portable, self-contained unit with all necessary components (parallel shafts, tension device, abrasive belt, drive mechanism) integrated into a compact assembly that can be easily transported to the wind turbine site. This segmentation allows the complex grinding function to be delivered in a manageable, easy-to-deploy package that simplifies on-site maintenance operations.
3Reliability
If conventional grinding methods are used, then the leading edge can be ground, but the service life of abrasive material is short
Solution Approach 1:
The abrasive belt is continuously moved by the driven shaft throughout the grinding process, ensuring constant fresh abrasive contact with the leading edge. This continuous motion prevents the abrasive surfaces from becoming clogged or overheated, maximizing the service life of the abrasive material. The belt can be run for extended periods before requiring replacement, reducing both time loss and the frequency of abrasive changes.
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 tool ensures a predetermined shape and efficient grinding process, extending abrasive life and reducing manual effort, while adapting to varying blade curvatures and requiring fewer steps.
Implementation Method 1
a grinding tool for grinding a leading edge of a wind turbine blade
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a grinding tool for grinding a leading edge of a wind turbine blade. It comprises two parallel shafts of which at least one is rotationally driven and a frame for holding the two shafts in a fixed mutual relationship. An annular abrasive belt is arranged around a tension device mounted to the frame and guides of which there is one on each of the two shafts. The abrasive belt runs in a plane perpendicular to the shafts and has a longer length than an imaginary curve formed by outer surfaces of the tension device and of the guides. The grinding tool further comprises two abrasive belt retainers movably mounted to the frame. They are shaped and arranged to move between a retaining position in which they retain the abrasive belt along at least parts of the abrasive belt which is in contact with the guides, and a release position in which they are out of contact with the abrasive belt.