Wind Turbine Blade Segment Fixing Device with Threaded Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the manufacturing of wind turbine blade segments, there is a risk of the upper segment disengaging from the mould, leading to potential damage or misalignment when connecting the blade halves, as existing fixation methods are inadequate in ensuring secure attachment and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a clamping force structure and retaining structure, comprising a cylinder portion with a threaded structure and abutment structures, is used to securely attach the blade segment to the mould, ensuring proper alignment and preventing disengagement during the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple fixing device is used to hold the blade segment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of fixation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into multiple functional components: a clamping structure with jaws for applying force, a retaining structure with retaining elements for preventing disengagement, and a positioning structure with positioning elements for alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the clamping structure and retaining structure into a single integrated fixing device that operates simultaneously. The clamping jaws and retaining elements work together in one device rather than as separate components, improving fixation reliability while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent fixing mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing fixation methods are used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning structure includes positioning elements that are pre-configured in the fixing device to establish correct alignment before the blade segment is fully assembled. This preliminary positioning action ensures precise alignment is achieved automatically during manufacturing without requiring complex adjustment procedures or high-skilled manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning elements act as intermediaries between the fixing device and the blade segment, transferring and ensuring precise alignment. These intermediary components simplify the manufacturing process by automatically guiding the blade segment into the correct position rather than requiring complex alignment procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the blade segment is held loosely in the mould, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength of fixation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device incorporates dynamic elements that allow for easy insertion and removal of the blade segment while maintaining strong fixation during the critical assembly phase. The clamping structure can be quickly engaged and disengaged, and the retaining elements provide automatic locking upon insertion, combining ease of operation with strong fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining structure includes retaining elements that provide immediate fixation upon insertion of the blade segment, preventing disengagement before any misalignment or damage can occur. This beforehand securing mechanism ensures that the blade segment is held firmly from the moment of insertion while still allowing for easy handling during the assembly process.
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
The fixing device effectively secures the blade segment to the mould, preventing disengagement and misalignment, thereby ensuring accurate assembly and reducing the risk of damage during the manufacturing process of wind turbine blades.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded abutment structure (15b) encircling the cylinder portion (15a) and engaging its threaded structure
Implementation Method 2
the second abutment structure (16a) is adapted to engage and exert a force on the threaded abutment structure (15b) in a direction parallel to the cylinder axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
For fixating a blade segment (1a) of a rotor blade of a wind turbine to a mould (20a), in which the blade segment is manufactured, a fixing device (10) is provided comprising a first portion (11) for selectively applying a clamping force on the fixating extension and a second portion (12) for fixating the fixing device to the mould. In the fixing device (10) one of the first and second portions comprises a cylinder portion (15a) with a threaded structure, and a threaded abutment structure (15b) encircling the cylinder portion and engaging its threaded structure. The respective other portion comprises an aperture (14) and a recess with a second abutment structure (16a) within the aperture. The aperture (14) is adapted to receive the cylinder portion (15a) such that the cylinder portion (15a) protrudes the aperture (14) along its cylinder axis, and the second abutment structure (16a) is adapted to engage and exert a force on the threaded abutment structure (15b) in a direction parallel to the cylinder axis. One of the first and second portions (11,12) comprises a lateral opening (18) allowing a retaining web (19a) of the respective other portion to abut therein.