Wind Turbine Rotor Star Assembly Frame with Retractable Support Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly methods for rotor stars in wind power plants face challenges in maintaining stability during partial assembly, requiring significant effort and infrastructure, especially when only a part of the rotor blades are connected to the hub.
Innovation Solution
A compact assembly frame comprising a transport container, a support arm, and a hub adapter that transforms into an extension arm for stability, allowing easy transportation and use, with a hub adapter that securely holds the rotor hub and enables central axis alignment for stability and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the rotor star is partially assembled with only some rotor blades connected to the hub, then the balance is disrupted and stability is compromised, but assembling all blades first eliminates balance issues while requiring more time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is nested inside the transport container during transport, creating a compact unit. During operation, the support arm is extended from the container to provide stability support for the partially assembled rotor star, allowing early assembly stages without waiting for complete blade attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The transport container is prepared in advance to serve dual purposes: as a transport vessel and as a structural component of the mounting frame. The container is positioned and secured before rotor assembly begins, providing immediate stability support rather than requiring completion of the rotor star first
2Stability of the object's composition
If a mounting frame is used to support the rotor hub during assembly, then stability is achieved, but the frame becomes complex and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The transport container and mounting frame are merged into a single integrated structure. The container serves both as the transport vessel and as the boom/support structure of the mounting frame, eliminating the need for separate, complex transport and mounting equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The transport container is designed to perform multiple functions: transporting the support arm and hub adapter, serving as the mounting frame boom during assembly, and providing structural support for the rotor hub. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed
3Length of moving object
If the support arm is positioned inside the transport container during transport, then a compact unit is created that is easy to transport, but the support arm cannot provide stability during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm transitions between two states: retracted inside the container during transport for compactness, and extended outside the container during assembly for stability. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize for different operational requirements
4Stability of the object's composition
If extensive outriggers are used to ensure stability during partial assembly, then the mounting frame remains stable, but the device becomes more complex and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The transport container is merged with the mounting frame structure, serving as the boom itself. This integration eliminates the need for additional outriggers or support structures, reducing both complexity and space requirements while maintaining stability
Data Source
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AI summary
Assembly frame for a rotor star (16) of a wind turbine, comprising a transport container (22), a support arm (23), and a hub adapter (24). In a transport state of the assembly frame (20), the support arm (23) is arranged inside the transport container (22). In an operational state of the assembly frame (20), the support arm (23) is connected to the transport container (22), so that the support arm (23) and the transport container (22) each form a boom of the assembly frame (20). The invention also relates to a method for assembling a rotor star (16).