Spiral Blade Connector for Wind Generator Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spiral blade units in wind generators face manufacturing challenges due to complex design, leading to weakened rotational axles, increased weight, and vibration issues, particularly when exposed to strong winds, causing deformation and damage.

Innovation Solution

A blade connector system that interconnects spiral blades with a connecting member, washers, and nuts, providing a tilted support structure to minimize sagging and vibration, allowing for the use of weaker and lighter materials while maintaining stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multiple bolts and nuts are used to fix spiral blades to the rotational axle, then the blades can be fixed strongly, but the weight of the spiral blade unit increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidweight of spiral blade unit
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple fastening functions into a single integrated frame structure. The frame combines support, positioning, and fastening functions that were previously separated into multiple bolts and nuts, thereby reducing the total number of fastening components while maintaining fixing strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, blade positioning, and fastening functions. This universal component replaces multiple specialized fastening elements (bolts, nuts, brackets), reducing overall weight while maintaining or improving fixing strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple bolt holes are created in the rotational axle for fixing blades, then the blades can be attached, but the strength of the rotational axle is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade attachment capabilityVSAvoidrotational axle strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure consolidates multiple attachment points and fastening functions into a single integrated component that attaches to the rotational axle through fewer connection points. This reduces the number of bolt holes required in the rotational axle while maintaining the capability to securely attach multiple blades.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If a frame with multiple bolts and nuts is used to fix spiral blades, then the blades can be fixed strongly, but the manufacturing and assembly time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame integrates multiple fastening functions into a single component that can be installed as one unit rather than assembling multiple separate bolts, nuts, and brackets. This integration significantly reduces the number of assembly steps and fastening operations required, thereby improving manufacturing and assembly efficiency while maintaining fixing strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame is designed and pre-assembled with all necessary support and fastening features integrated before installation. This preliminary integration of multiple functions into a single component reduces on-site assembly complexity and time, as the frame arrives ready-to-install rather than requiring assembly of multiple separate fastening elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If bolts and nuts are used to fix spiral blades, then the blades can be attached, but the bolts and nuts may loosen after extended use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade attachment capabilityVSAvoidfastening reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frame integrates multiple fastening functions into a single structural component that distributes loads across multiple attachment points simultaneously. This integrated approach eliminates the sequential fastening of multiple bolts and nuts that can loosen independently, as the frame structure maintains consistent preload and positioning through its rigid integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3295022B1Spiral blade unit and wind generator and blade connector for the unit
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 CHO
  • EP3295022B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3295022B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3295022B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A spiral blade unit is disclosed, which generates less blade-sagging, deformation, or vibration, can be made of various material, can be made with light material, and can be installed easily in interconnecting spiral blades. The spiral blade unit includes a rotational axle and spiral blades with root portions attached along an outer circumferential surface of the rotational axle, and the spiral blades are interconnected to one another through a blade connector.