Segmented Clamping Tong for Consistent Wind Blade Mould Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing wind turbine blades face challenges in securely fixing the blade shell parts within moulds during the manufacturing process, leading to risks of the shell parts falling out, which can result in high costs and safety hazards due to manual adjustments and inconsistent clamping pressures.
Innovation Solution
A clamping tong system comprising multiple segments with a repositioning actuator and locking mechanism, which can be adjusted and fixed to standardized positions on the mould, ensuring consistent clamping pressure and reducing the risk of accidents by maintaining secure fixation of the blade shell parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of clamping tongs is used, then the tong can be positioned on the mould, but the clamping pressure is inconsistent and there is a risk that the tong is not tightened enough
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping tong is designed to automatically adjust and tighten to standardized positions on the mould without requiring manual intervention. The tong self-regulates its clamping pressure through its mechanical design, ensuring consistent and reliable fixation of the blade shell part during the mould turning operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different tongs are used in different positions on the mould, then all areas can be covered, but each tong has to be manually adjusted individually
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping tong is divided into three segments that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the tong to adapt to different positions on the mould while reducing the overall adjustment time, as each segment can be quickly configured to standardized positions without requiring complex manual intervention for the entire device.
3Ease of operation
If the blade shell part is not securely fixed, then the mould can be easily turned, but the shell part may fall out during turning
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping tong is configured to secure the blade shell part to the mould before the mould turning operation begins. The tong maintains this secure fixation throughout the turning process, preventing the shell part from falling out while allowing the mould to be turned as needed. After turning, the tong can be released to allow removal of the shell part.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a clamping tong for securing a shell part of a wind turbine blade in a mould and a mould comprising a clamping tong. The clamping tong comprises a first tong segment, a second tong segment and a third tong segment. The third tong segment has a clamping surface for applying a clamping force on a mould section, such as a mould flange of the mould. The clamping tong is configured to reposition the clamping surface between a clamping state and a release state. The distance between the clamping surface and the first tong axis in the clamping state is shorter than the distance between the clamping surface and the first tong axis in the release state. Thereby, the clamping surface may provide the clamping force on the mould section in the clamping state. The first tong segment is attachable to the mould.