Wind Turbine Flange Fluid Pressure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flange connections for wind turbine towers require complex assembly processes and a large number of screws and nuts, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially for large components.
Innovation Solution
A flange design that utilizes fluid pressure to create a frictional connection between flange walls, reducing the need for multiple fasteners and simplifying assembly, while also incorporating sealing mechanisms and form-fitting interlocking structures for enhanced security and corrosion protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bolted flange connections are used to connect tower sections, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring many bolts and nuts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the traditional fastening elements (bolts, nuts, washers) from the flange connection system. Instead of using multiple discrete fasteners, the patent employs a simplified single-bolt arrangement combined with a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically maintains connection pressure, thereby reducing assembly complexity while preserving connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism in the flange connection automatically adjusts and maintains the connection pressure between tower sections. The spring continuously applies force to keep the flange surfaces in contact, providing self-regulating pressure without requiring manual adjustment or multiple fasteners, thus simplifying the assembly process while ensuring reliable connection.
2Strength
If multiple bolts and nuts are used to secure flange parts, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the assembly time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dramatically reduces the number of fastening elements from multiple bolts and nuts to a single bolt arrangement. The spring-loaded mechanism compensates for the reduced number of fasteners by continuously applying pressure to maintain connection strength, thereby significantly reducing assembly time while preserving sufficient connection strength for tower sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the flange connection by introducing a spring-loaded mechanism that dynamically adjusts the contact pressure between flange surfaces. This continuous pressure application maintains connection strength equivalent to or greater than traditional multi-bolt connections, while the simplified single-bolt design reduces assembly time substantially.
3Reliability
If flange walls are pressed together with high force to create friction connection, then the connection is secure, but the assembly becomes difficult and requires high assembly forces
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism automatically generates and maintains the necessary friction pressure between flange walls without requiring high assembly forces from external equipment. The spring continuously applies pressure to keep the flange surfaces in contact, creating sufficient friction for secure connection while making assembly easy and accessible with standard equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static friction connection (requiring high initial assembly forces) to a dynamic spring-loaded connection. The spring continuously adjusts and maintains optimal contact pressure between flange surfaces, ensuring sufficient friction for secure connection while requiring minimal assembly force, thereby greatly improving assembly ease.
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 design allows for a secure and efficient assembly of large wind turbine components with reduced assembly forces and time, while maintaining structural integrity and preventing corrosion, making it particularly effective for large-scale wind turbine towers.
Implementation Method 1
Applying a fluid under a defined pressure to the intermediate space, so that the flange walls are moved radially and elastically away from one another
Implementation Method 2
In the fixed state, the inner and outer flange walls touch, so that at least a frictional connection is established, by which the flange parts are held together
Implementation Method 3
sealing means (10) which delimit a space (11) between the flange walls in a sealing manner
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a flange (5) for connecting two components (8), comprising a first, inner flange part (6) connected to the first component (8), wherein the inner flange part (6) has a radially outwardly directed inner flange wall (6a) circumferentially around a central axis (A), and a second, outer flange part (7) connected to the second component (8), wherein the outer flange part (7) has a radially inwardly directed outer flange wall (7a) circumferentially around the axis (A), wherein the outer flange wall (7a) and the inner flange wall (6a) overlap each other in a defined state of the flange along the axis (A) in an overlap area, and wherein the flange walls (6a, 7a) at least partially touch each other in the defined state, wherein in a non-defined state of the flange (5) a gap (11) between the flange walls (6a, 7a) in the overlap area is delimited by a sealing means (10).wherein the space (11) can be pressurized by a fluid.