Wind Turbine Root Plate Attachment With Axial Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine blade manufacturing techniques require labor-intensive assembly processes and heavy equipment for attaching root plates, which experience high stresses, and adjustments necessitate complete removal and machining, lacking an efficient and safe method for axially adjustable connections between root plates and composite flanges.
Innovation Solution
A root plate assembly system with a threaded collar and fastener mechanism that allows for axial adjustment of the root plate relative to the composite flange, using washers and locknuts to secure the connection without specialized tools, enabling adjustments from outside the mold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional root plate attachment methods are used, then the connection provides structural strength, but the assembly process becomes labor-intensive and requires heavy equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into modular components: root plate, threaded collar, fastener, locknut, and seal. Each component serves a specific function, allowing for simplified assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining structural integrity through the coordinated interaction of these segments
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded collar acts as an intermediary component between the root plate and the mold, providing a standardized interface that simplifies attachment operations. The collar's external threads engage with the root plate while internal threads receive the fastener, mediating the connection and eliminating the need for heavy equipment
2Adaptability or versatility
If root plate adjustments are needed, then the connection can be modified, but complete removal and machining is required
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a static welded connection to a dynamic, adjustable mechanical connection. The threaded collar and fastener assembly can be easily loosened, repositioned, and re-tightened, allowing the root plate to be adjusted to different positions without removal or machining operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for changes in the positional parameters of the root plate through the threaded mechanism. By rotating the fastener within the threaded collar, the root plate can be precisely positioned at different axial locations, providing adaptability without time-consuming machining
3Strength
If heavy equipment is used for root plate assembly, then the connection can be secured, but specialized tools and equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is designed to be self-servicing through its inherent mechanical advantage. The threaded collar and fastener create a self-locking mechanism that secures the root plate without requiring external heavy equipment. The system's own structural features provide the necessary clamping force and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical fastening components (collar, fastener, locknut) replace expensive, specialized heavy equipment. These relatively simple, inexpensive components can be easily replaced or adjusted, eliminating the need for costly specialized assembly equipment while providing sufficient connection strength
4Stability of the object's composition
If the root plate is securely attached, then the connection is rigid, but adjustments require complete disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The locknut is pre-positioned on the fastener and the seal is pre-installed in the threaded collar before assembly. This preliminary preparation allows for quick adjustment operations later, as the components are already in place and simply need to be loosened, repositioned, and re-tightened rather than completely disassembled
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
Facilitates efficient and safe axial adjustment of the root plate, reducing labor intensity and equipment needs, allowing adjustments without disassembly, and ensuring secure, rigid connections for wind turbine blades.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded collar, the threaded collar comprising a longitudinally extending channel and threads on inner and outer surfaces thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for axial adjustment of a root plate assembly system of a wind turbine blade is disclosed. The method comprises providing a root plate comprising at least one aperture, providing a threaded collar comprising a longitudinal extending channel and threads on an outer surface thereof; providing an infused plate comprising at least one aperture disposed therein; providing a fastener disposed at least partially within the longitudinal extending channel of the threaded collar and the root plate; providing an infused composite panel to form a root flange, positioning the root flange between the root plate and the infused plate, the root flange extending around the threaded collar and the fastener; adjusting the threaded collar to longitudinally move the fastener relative to the root flange; adjustably coupling the root plate and the infused plate via the fastener disposed through the longitudinal extending channel of the threaded collar disposed therebetween.