Rotatable Composite Part Support for Precise Angular Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manual rotation of large composite components in wind turbine blade manufacturing is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and poses safety risks, affecting production efficiency and quality.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising a stationary and rotatable support structure that securely holds and rotates composite parts, such as spar caps, without the need for lifting equipment, allowing controlled and precise angular positioning for inspection and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual rotation with lifting equipment is used, then the composite part can be rotated, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable support is designed to rotate automatically or semi-automatically, reducing the need for continuous manual intervention and lifting equipment operation. The system serves itself by maintaining rotation capability without requiring external crane operations for each positioning adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual lifting equipment system (cranes, slings) with a dedicated rotatable support mechanism that integrates rotation functionality directly into the handling system, eliminating the need for separate lifting and rotation operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual rotation with multiple operators is used, then the composite part can be controlled and guided, but the process requires intense manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable support incorporates self-positioning or automated control mechanisms that maintain precise angular positions without requiring multiple operators to manually guide and control the rotation, reducing operational complexity while preserving precision.
3Ease of operation
If lifting equipment is used for rotation, then the composite part can be rotated, but safety risks increase for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs rotation operations automatically or with minimal human intervention, eliminating the need for operators to be in proximity to heavy lifting equipment and large composite parts during rotation, thereby reducing safety risks.
4Ease of manufacture
If discrete angular positioning is implemented, then inspection and surface treatment are facilitated, but the support system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation range is divided into discrete angular positions that correspond to optimal orientations for inspection and surface treatment operations. This segmentation allows the system to provide precise positioning at key angles without requiring continuous complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is pre-configured with discrete angular positioning capabilities that are built into the design, allowing inspection and treatment operations to be performed at predetermined optimal angles without requiring complex real-time adjustments during these processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to support and support assemblies for rotating a composite part. The support comprises a stationary support and a rotatable support, wherein the stationary support is configured to support the rotatable support, and the rotatable support is configured to receive and secure the composite part, and wherein the rotatable support is configured to rotate with respect to the stationary support. The present disclosure further relates to methods and assemblies for rotating composite parts.