Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Base-Plate Access Cover Form-Fitting Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind turbine rotor blades face challenges in securely closing the access opening of the base plate without complex bracing mechanisms and precise dimension coordination, which are prone to maloperation and require multiple handles.

Innovation Solution

A holding arrangement that secures the cover to the base plate via a form-fitting mechanism and a locking device that blocks opposite movements, allowing for simple and reliable closure without a permanent hinge, using guide slots and pins for alignment and a snap-in mechanism for secure locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a permanent hinge connection is used to close the access opening, then the cover remains securely attached, but the structure becomes more complex and requires precise dimension coordination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of coverVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into two functional segments: a holding arrangement that provides form-fitting retention through guide slots and pins, and a locking device that prevents removal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving secure attachment without requiring a complex permanent hinge structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from a static permanent hinge to a dynamic reversible mechanism. The cover can be easily installed by moving it into the holding arrangement and locked into position, then removed by overcoming the locking device. This dynamic behavior provides secure attachment during operation while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple handles and bracing mechanisms are used to secure the cover, then the cover remains firmly fastened, but the device complexity increases and requires precise dimension coordination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirm fastening of coverVSAvoidnumber of handles and bracing mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding arrangement and locking device are merged into a single integrated system. The guide slots and pins that provide form-fitting holding are combined with the locking mechanism that prevents removal. This merging eliminates the need for separate bracing mechanisms and multiple handles, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining firm fastening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the cover's position. When the cover is moved into the holding arrangement, the locking device automatically locks it in place without requiring additional manual operation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for multiple handles and complex bracing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If tensioning elements are coordinated with base plate thickness, then the cover can be securely braced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure bracing of coverVSAvoidcoordination of tensioning elements with base plate thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holding arrangement with guide slots and pins is designed to be universally applicable to covers of different sizes and base plate thicknesses. The guide slots provide form-fitting retention without requiring precise coordination with base plate dimensions, while the locking device ensures secure attachment. This universal design eliminates the need for precise manufacturing coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If a simple cover closure mechanism is used, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of secure closure may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of cover closureVSAvoidsecure closure of access opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system provides dynamic feedback to the operator during installation. As the cover is moved into the holding arrangement, the locking device automatically engages, providing tactile and visual confirmation of proper installation. This dynamic feedback ensures reliable secure closure while maintaining ease of operation, as the operator simply needs to move the cover into position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device provides immediate feedback to the operator when the cover is properly installed. The engagement of the locking mechanism with the base plate creates audible, tactile, and visual indicators of correct positioning. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable secure closure without requiring complex procedures, as the operator can immediately verify proper installation through the feedback signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250305484A1Wind turbine rotor blade having a base plate with access opening

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 NORDEX ENERGY SE & CO KG

AI summary

A wind turbine rotor blade has a base plate having an access opening, and having a cover via which the access opening can be closed. A holding arrangement is configured such that a movement of the cover relative to the base plate in a predetermined direction parallel to the plane of the base plate causes the cover to be held in a form-fitting manner on the base plate, and a locking device blocks a movement of the cover in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.