Slidable Arm Gripping Device for Wind Turbine Preform Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of wind turbine blades requires efficient and cost-effective methods for transferring preforms of various geometries from preform moulds to blade moulds, as current solutions are tedious, costly, and require complex adaptations for each geometry, leading to space and time inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with slidable arms and lock members allows for flexible and efficient transfer of preforms by gripping and lifting them from preform moulds to blade moulds, using a base frame with pivot connectors for secure positioning and a modular design that adapts to different shapes without complex control systems, enabling easy handling and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple different transfer jigs are designed for various preform geometries, then the precision of transferring different preforms is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer jig is designed with a universal base frame and multiple arms that can be adjusted to accommodate different preform geometries. The arms can be positioned at various locations and angles, allowing a single jig to transfer multiple types of preforms (flat, curved, complex shapes) without requiring separate specialized jigs for each geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer jig incorporates movable and adjustable arms that can be repositioned along the base frame. This dynamic configuration allows the jig to adapt its shape and structure to match different preform geometries, transforming from a static single-function device to a dynamic multi-function tool that maintains precision across various preform types.
2Ease of operation
If large space is provided for storing various preforms and handling equipment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer jig serves multiple functions including transferring preforms from moulds, positioning them accurately in blade moulds, and accommodating different preform geometries. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment for each operation, reducing the overall space required for handling and storage infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex control systems are used to adapt to different preform geometries, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer jig uses mechanically adjustable arms that can be manually or simply positioned to match different preform geometries. This mechanical adaptability replaces complex automated control systems, allowing the device to accommodate various preform shapes through physical adjustment rather than electronic control, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping device (76) is provided for lifting a preform for a wind turbine blade from a preform mould (71). The gripping device (76) comprises a base frame (62), a plurality of arms (78) slidably mounted on the base frame (62), each arm (78) having a proximal end and a distal end, a plurality of gripping members (86) for gripping a top surface (75) of the preform. The vertical position of one or more arms (78) of the gripping device (76) relative to the base frame (62) may change when lowering the gripping device (76) towards a preform to reflect the top surface (75) of the perform.