Vertical Wind Generator Hinge Mechanism for Load Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind electric generators with vertically-aligned posts and rail tracks suffer from reduced durability due to alternate loads and twisting of wings, leading to structural overloads and potential breakage at welding points, as they lack hinge connections to suppress vibration transmission.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a second rail track below the primary one, with cars hingedly coupled to the lower wing, and a turning mechanism with a flap to adjust wing position relative to the wind flow, allowing for hinge connections between the rail and wings to redistribute loads and reduce stress on the undercarriage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the car is coupled with the rail by means of rollers and wings are mounted above and under the rail, then the generator can move along the rail track, but the wings twist in relation to the car under wind load causing alternate loads on the undercarriage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hinge connections as intermediary elements between the wings and the car frame, and between the runner blocks and the rails. These hinge connections act as mediators that allow relative movement and absorb twisting forces, preventing direct transmission of alternate loads to the car undercarriage and welding points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static rigid connections into dynamic hinge connections that allow controlled movement. The hinge connections enable the wings to adjust their position relative to the car under wind load variations, and allow the runner blocks to accommodate rail vibrations, thereby converting static stress concentration points into dynamic, load-distributing joints.
2Device complexity
If the wheels are mounted on the axis with end welded to the runner block wall, then the structure is simple, but the entire load is concentrated in the welding point causing breakage under alternate loads
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection serves as an intermediary between the wheel axis and the runner block frame, replacing the direct welded connection. This hinge intermediary distributes the loads through rotational joints rather than concentrating them at weld points, eliminating the stress concentration problem while maintaining structural integrity under alternate loads.
3Stability of the object's composition
If there are no hinge connections between the rail and wings, then the structure is rigid, but vibration transmission occurs causing fluctuation resonance in the rail system
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connections act as intermediary elements that decouple the vibration transmission path between the rails and wings. By introducing these flexible joints, the system maintains overall structural stability while the hinge connections absorb and dampen vibrational energy, preventing resonance from propagating through the entire rail system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connections provide beforehand cushioning against vibration transmission. By incorporating these flexible joints in advance, the system is prepared to absorb and dampen vibrations before they can propagate through the rigid rail structure, preventing harmful resonance from developing.
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 configuration enhances the reliability of the wind electric generator by reducing alternate loads on the primary rail, minimizing structural overloads, and extending the system's operational lifespan by distributing dynamic loads effectively across the runner blocks.
Implementation Method 1
the frame of each car is coupled with two vertically-aligned wings, one of which is mounted above the rail and the second one is mounted under the rail, wherein one of the wings is coupled with its turning mechanism for change of position of the wing in relation to the wind flow vector
Implementation Method 2
The generator with wheel on the shaft engaged with the rail surface is mounted on the car frame
Data Source
AI summary
Wind electric generator includes vertical posts attached to support surface, a closed loop rail above support surface, and coupled to vertical posts; sequentially interconnected cars coupled to rail by rollers; frame of each car coupled to first and second vertically-oriented wings; first wing mounted above rail; second wing mounted under rail; turning mechanism coupled to one wing for changing angular orientation relative to wind direction; generator mounted on each frame, having a shaft with a wheel, the wheel engaged to the rail; second rail track below the rail; additional sequentially interconnected cars on second rail track and hingedly coupled with lower end of second wing; and wherein turning mechanism is a flap generating aerodynamic force, coupled to first wing using tail beams; a drive for changing angular position of flap; first and second wings are rigidly coupled using vertical rod; and second wings hingedly coupled to cars on second rail.