Rotor Blade Stand with Multi-Axis Rotation for Washout and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotor blade stands lack the ability to efficiently reorient rotor blades during the washout and drainage process, requiring manual crane operation and limiting the speed and safety of the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
The development of rotor blade stands with a blade support that is rotatably coupled to a base, allowing 360° rotation and tilting about horizontal axes, enabling the rotor blade to be positioned at various angles for enhanced washout and drainage, reducing the need for cranes and improving safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotor blades are supported on fixed stands, then the structure is simple and stable, but the rotor blade cannot be reoriented efficiently requiring crane operation
Solution Approach 1:
The blade support is made rotatable about a vertical axis and tiltable about a horizontal axis, transforming the fixed stand into a dynamic structure that can adapt its orientation to support rotor blades in various positions during washout and drainage operations, eliminating the need for crane repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The stand is designed with multi-axis rotation and tilting capabilities, enabling it to perform multiple functions: supporting rotor blades during assembly, washout, drainage, and transportation in various orientations, replacing the need for multiple specialized fixtures and crane operations
2Productivity
If cranes are used to reorient rotor blades, then the rotor blade can be positioned at different angles, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The blade support structure enables self-repositioning through its rotatable and tiltable mechanisms, allowing the rotor blade to be reoriented without external crane assistance, thereby reducing repositioning time and increasing overall process productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic positioning system with vertical and horizontal axis rotation allows rapid adjustment of rotor blade orientation during washout and drainage operations, eliminating time-consuming crane operations and improving manufacturing throughput
3Productivity
If rotor blades are held in fixed horizontal position, then the support structure is simple, but washout and drainage efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The blade support incorporates tilting and rotating mechanisms that allow the support surface to be dynamically adjusted to optimal angles for washout and drainage operations, improving fluid flow and contaminant removal efficiency while maintaining structural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure enables change in the orientation parameter of the rotor blade from fixed horizontal to variable angles, optimizing the position for effective washout and drainage while managing the added mechanical complexity through practical design
Data Source
AI summary
Example stands for supporting a component, such as a rotor blade, are described herein. An example stand described herein includes a blade support having an opening extending from an edge of the blade support towards a center of the blade support. The opening is to receive a rotor blade of an aircraft, for example. The example stand also includes a base to support the blade support above a supporting surface. The blade support is rotatably coupled to the base about a horizontal axis perpendicular to a central axis of the blade support such that the blade support can tilt the rotor blade relative to the supporting surface.