Spring-Loaded Rotor Blade Clamp With Reeving Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting and dismounting rotor blades on wind turbine rotor hubs are not simple, reliable, or adaptable to different blade types, lacking a compact and efficient solution.
Innovation Solution
A rotor blade clamp with a spring-loaded hinge and reeving mechanism, featuring contoured clamping parts and interchangeable shims, allows for easy operation and adaptation to various rotor blades by using a line to draw the clamping parts together securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing mounting and dismounting devices (sleeves, yokes, carriages) are used, then rotor blades can be mounted and dismounted, but the devices are complex and not simple to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate clamping parts (first clamping part and second clamping part) that can independently engage with the rotor blade. Each clamping part has its own inner face contoured to accommodate the blade shape, allowing the device to be operated in simpler stages rather than as a monolithic complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded hinge automatically biases the clamping parts apart to an opened configuration, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms or manual positioning. The spring mechanism self-regulates the clamp's state, providing automatic return to open position when release force is applied.
2Reliability
If existing mounting and dismounting devices are used, then rotor blades can be mounted and dismounted, but the devices are not reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The inner faces of both clamping parts are contoured with curved surfaces that precisely accommodate the shape of the rotor blade. This curved geometry ensures reliable contact and distribution of clamping forces across the blade surface, preventing slippage or uneven loading that could compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded hinge provides continuous mechanical feedback by maintaining constant biasing force on the clamping parts. The spring ensures that the clamping parts remain engaged with the blade throughout the operation, automatically compensating for any dimensional variations or wear to maintain reliable connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing mounting and dismounting devices are used, then rotor blades can be mounted and dismounted, but the devices are not adaptable to different rotor blade types
Solution Approach 1:
The inner faces of the clamping parts feature contoured surfaces with specific geometric properties tailored to accommodate the local shape of the rotor blade at the clamping location. This localized contouring allows the same clamp design to adapt to different blade types by adjusting the contact geometry without requiring complete redesign of the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design with contoured clamping parts and spring-loaded hinge creates a universal mounting mechanism that can accommodate multiple rotor blade types and sizes. The same basic clamp structure serves multiple functions across different blade configurations, eliminating the need for blade-specific custom devices.
4Reliability
If contoured clamping parts are used to accommodate blade shape, then secure clamping is achieved, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The contouring features are integrated directly into the clamping parts themselves rather than being separate components. The inner faces of the clamping parts are formed with the necessary curved surfaces as part of the basic clamp structure, merging the securing function with the clamping mechanism to avoid adding separate complex elements.
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 rotor blade clamp is simple to operate, reliable, and adaptable to different rotor blades, ensuring secure mounting and dismounting while minimizing tag line forces and protecting the rotor blade.
Implementation Method 1
The spring-loaded hinge comprises at least one spring that biases the clamping parts apart to an opened clamp configuration. The at least one spring preferably comprises at least one coiled torsion spring.
Implementation Method 2
The spring-loaded hinge connecting the first clamping part to the second clamping part, the spring-loaded hinge comprising at least one spring that biases the clamping parts apart
Implementation Method 3
a reeving mechanism comprising a first reeving portion on the first clamping part and a second reeving portion on the second clamping part, the first and second reeving portions adapted to receive a line therebetween, whereby pulling a free portion of the line reeved through the reeving portions draws the clamping parts together
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor blade clamp is provided for assisting with mounting and/or dismounting of a rotor blade. The clamp has a first clamping part and a second clamping part opposed to the first clamping part. A spring-loaded hinge connects the first clamping part to the second clamping part, and has at least one spring that biases the clamping parts apart to an opened clamp configuration. The clamp has a reeving mechanism with a first reeving portion on the first clamping part and a second reeving portion on the second clamping part. The first and second reeving portions are adapted to receive a line therebetween, whereby pulling a free portion of the line reeved through the reeving portions draws the clamping parts together to a closed clamp configuration against the bias of the at least one spring.