Segmented Rotor Blade Connection with Spacer Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing and securing rotor blade connections in wind energy systems lack stability and efficient force transmission, particularly in the connection to the hub, and require improvements in both manufacturing ease and material efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves arranging fastening elements and spacer elements in a circular arc configuration, where the fastening elements have specific cross-sectional shapes and are connected using a laminate with resin, allowing for stable force transmission and material savings, with optional tapering and bolt hole designs for enhanced stability and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fastening elements are arranged densely on the circular arc, then the stability and force transmission of the blade connection is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blade connection is divided into multiple discrete fastening elements arranged along a circular arc, with each element being a separate component that can be manufactured independently. This segmentation allows for optimized distribution of fastening elements, providing sufficient stability while avoiding the need for excessive material or complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements are equipped with localized features such as bolt holes and tapered sections at specific positions along the circular arc. These local quality enhancements provide targeted force transmission and stability where needed, rather than requiring the entire structure to be overly complex or material-intensive.
2Strength
If more material is used for the blade connection, then the strength and stability are improved, but the material efficiency and manufacturing cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the blade connection into discrete fastening elements spaced along a circular arc, the structure achieves the necessary strength through strategic placement rather than continuous material usage. This segmentation eliminates redundant material while maintaining structural integrity and force transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements are arranged along a circular arc configuration, which provides optimal force distribution and structural strength. The curved geometry naturally distributes loads more efficiently compared to straight-line arrangements, achieving high strength with reduced material consumption.
3Manufacturing precision
If the blade connection is designed for high precision manufacturing, then the isotropic force transfer is improved, but the manufacturing ease and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The circular arc configuration of the fastening elements inherently provides isotropic force transfer characteristics. This curved geometry naturally distributes forces uniformly in all directions around the hub connection, achieving high manufacturing precision for force distribution without requiring excessively complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements incorporate tapered sections with specific geometric parameters that optimize force transmission. By carefully selecting and adjusting these geometric parameters, the design achieves isotropic force transfer while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes.
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
This configuration enhances the stability and material efficiency of the blade connection, enabling isotropic force transfer and reducing material usage while allowing for simpler and more economical manufacturing, including the use of composite materials and resin infusion techniques.
Implementation Method 1
connected using a laminate with resin
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a blade connection of a rotor blade for a wind energy system which comprises fastening elements for fastening the blade connection to a hub, which fastening elements are provided on a circular arc, preferably equidistant from each other. Furthermore, the invention relates to a blade connection and a fastening element for a blade connection. The invention is based on the problem of improving the fastening of a rotor blade on the hub of a wind energy system as well as improving the manufacture and/or making a suitable blade connection available. The invention solves this problem as regards the process in that fastening elements formed in pieces are arranged on the circular arc and spaced from each other with spacer elements.