Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Segment Connection Kit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting wind turbine rotor blade segments are inefficient in terms of space usage and service life, often requiring complex pressure pieces that interact directly with connecting bolts, leading to stress and reduced lifespan, and involve high production costs and material inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a connecting bolt, a pressure piece with a recess, and an assembly piece that allows for a detachable, form-fitting connection between rotor blade segments, enabling efficient space use, high torque resistance, and easy assembly with reusable components, decoupling the pressure piece from the connecting bolt during operation to prevent direct interaction and stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pressure piece directly interacts with the connecting bolt during assembly, then the connecting bolt can be screwed and braced, but the pressure piece and connecting bolt experience stress and strain during operation reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional components: the pressure piece for bracing, the connecting bolt for fastening, and the assembly tool for assembly. Each component has a dedicated function and does not directly interact during operation, eliminating stress between pressure piece and bolt.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly tool acts as an intermediary during the assembly process, transmitting force to brace the pressure piece without requiring direct interaction between the pressure piece and connecting bolt. This mediator enables assembly while preventing harmful direct contact during operation.
2Strength
If a large number of connecting bolts are used to connect rotor blade segments, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure piece and connecting bolt functions are combined into a coordinated system where the assembly tool simultaneously manages multiple fastening operations. This allows standardized procedures to be applied across multiple connection points, reducing overall complexity despite the number of bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly tool is designed as a universal device that can be applied to multiple connecting bolts across different rotor blade segments. This multi-functional tool standardizes the assembly process and reduces the need for specialized equipment for each connection point.
3Ease of operation
If the pressure piece is designed to directly engage with the connecting bolt, then the assembly process is simplified, but the space efficiency is reduced and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly function is extracted from the pressure piece itself and transferred to a separate assembly tool. This allows the pressure piece to be a compact, space-efficient component while the assembly tool provides the necessary functionality during installation, then is removed for final operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static direct-engagement design to a dynamic assembly process where the assembly tool is introduced temporarily during installation, performs the bracing function, and is then removed. This dynamic approach allows compact pressure piece design while maintaining assembly simplicity.
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 solution provides a torque-resistant, efficient connection that absorbs high tensile and compressive forces, reduces material wastage, and extends the service life of blade segment connections by avoiding direct interaction between the pressure piece and connecting bolt, while allowing for cost-effective production and reuse of assembly pieces.
Implementation Method 1
absorbs high tensile and compressive forces
Implementation Method 2
absorbs high tensile and compressive forces
Implementation Method 3
torque-resistant connection
Implementation Method 4
applying an assembly tool (180) to the assembly piece (152) and/or the pressure piece (144) and screwing and bracing the corresponding connecting bolt (146)
Implementation Method 5
torque-resistant, efficient connection that absorbs high tensile and compressive forces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a kit (150) for connecting two rotor blade segments (132, 134) of a wind turbine rotor blade (110). The kit (150) comprises a connecting bolt (146), a pressure piece (144) designed as a sleeve, and a mounting piece (152) for an assembly tool (180).The assembly kit (150) is designed such that, in a standard assembly state of the kit (150) for connecting the two rotor blade segments (132, 134), the connecting bolt (146) is passed through the pressure piece (144) such that a mounting section (158) of the connecting bolt (146) is arranged in the area of a recess (164) of the pressure piece (144), and the mounting piece (152) can be detachably inserted into the recess (164) of the pressure piece (144), so that the mounting piece (152) is positively connected to the connecting bolt (146) in the mounting section (158) as well as positively connected to the pressure piece (144), and, in a standard installation state of the kit (150), the mounting piece (152) can be removed from the pressure piece (144). The invention also relates to a method.