Wind Turbine Blade Mould Placement Tools for Flatback Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in manufacturing large wind turbine blades lies in accurately positioning components, particularly those with a flatback trailing edge, to enhance efficiency and reduce manufacturing time while ensuring mechanical integrity.
Innovation Solution
A blade mould system with adaptable placement tools that engage with blade components, allowing precise positioning and attachment to the mould surface using vacuum or magnetic attraction, facilitating faster curing of adhesives and reducing manufacturing variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manual positioning methods are used for blade components, then device complexity is low, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning tools as intermediary devices between the mould and blade components. These tools feature engagement surfaces that contact the components and guiding parts that interact with the mould, thereby mediating the positioning process and achieving high precision without requiring complex integrated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into separate positioning tools rather than an integrated complex mould system. Each tool is independently designed with specific engagement surfaces and guiding parts, allowing for simplified manufacturing and easier maintenance while maintaining high positioning accuracy
2Productivity
If traditional positioning methods are used, then device complexity is low, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning tools are pre-configured with engagement surfaces and guiding parts before use. The tools are designed to be quickly positioned and engaged with the blade components, eliminating time-consuming on-site adjustments and enabling faster manufacturing cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning tools are designed to be self-aligning and self-positioning through their guiding parts and engagement surfaces. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms and manual fine-tuning, thereby reducing manufacturing time without requiring overly complex systems
3Ease of manufacture
If flatback profile design is used, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning tools serve as intermediaries that bridge the complex flatback geometry with simple component assembly. The guiding parts of the tools interact with the mould to automatically position components accurately on the flatback profile, making the assembly process straightforward while maintaining the aerodynamic benefits
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
Enhances the accuracy of component placement, decreases manufacturing time, and improves the mechanical properties of the assembled blade, thereby reducing the need for service and repair.
Implementation Method 1
allowing precise positioning and attachment to the mould surface using vacuum or magnetic attraction
Implementation Method 2
allowing precise positioning and attachment to the mould surface using vacuum or magnetic attraction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a blade mould system for manufacturing of a wind turbine blade shell, the blade mould system comprising a blade mould having a moulding surface for defining an outer shape of a blade shell part, the blade shell part having an outer surface facing the moulding surface and an inner surface facing away from the moulding surface, and a first placement tool being positioned at a first placement tool position relative to the blade mould, the placement tool being adaptable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first placement tool being configured to engage with a blade component being in a primary component position and position the blade component at a secondary component position relative to the moulding surface by the first placement tool attaining the second configuration, wherein the blade component is configured to be attached to the blade shell part in the secondary component position, wherein the first placement tool comprises a first movable part and a first stationary part.