Flexible Turbine Blade Shipping Packaging Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipping packaging for elongate components like turbine blades lacks flexibility and effective protection during transport, potentially damaging the blades and not accommodating various types and sizes efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A shipping package design featuring an outer packaging made of HDPE with runners and a self-adhesive document pocket, along with inner plug-in compartments made of PP trilaminate and PE foam, allowing for secure positioning and protection of turbine blades without them touching, and accommodating different types and sizes through adjustable receptacles and compartment configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If turbine blades are packaged using conventional rigid packaging, then the blades are protected during transport, but the packaging cannot accommodate different types and sizes of components efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into modular components: outer packaging containers, removable inner packaging elements, and individual blade receptacles. This segmentation allows the same outer packaging to accommodate different blade types by simply changing the inner packaging configuration, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer packaging is designed as a universal container that can hold multiple types of turbine blades (moving blades, guide blades, rotor blades) through standardized interfaces and adjustable internal supports. This multi-functionality enables one packaging design to serve multiple purposes without requiring complex customizations for each blade type.
2Reliability
If turbine blades are completely held by inflatable separators, then the blades are secured during transport, but the protective layers of the blades may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Soft foam materials and cushioning elements are introduced as intermediary substances between the inflatable separators and the blade surfaces. These intermediaries distribute the holding force evenly and prevent direct contact between the rigid separators and the blade protective layers, thus maintaining reliability while preventing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging employs flexible foam liners and thin protective films that conform to the blade shapes and provide a compliant interface. These flexible elements adapt to different blade geometries while protecting the protective layers from mechanical damage during transport.
3Productivity
If multiple turbine blades are shipped in a single packaging, then transport efficiency is improved, but the risk of blades touching and damaging each other increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each turbine blade is placed in its own dedicated receptacle or compartment within the outer packaging. This physical segmentation prevents blades from touching each other during transport, eliminating the damage risk while allowing multiple blades to be shipped together in a single container for improved transport efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Turbine blades must be sent from remote locations of the world or to said location. During shipment, the coating of the turbine blades must be protected. The turbine blades are fixed at both ends by means of the shipment packaging so that the turbine blades are protected.