Wind Turbine Tool Fixture for Magnetic Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of maintaining and repairing wind turbine components is exacerbated by magnetic forces that pull metal tools away from the work site, making it difficult to remove and replace internal components like generators and gearboxes, especially in confined spaces within the nacelle.
Innovation Solution
A tool fixture with a main body and swing arm that secures tools against magnetic forces, allowing them to be positioned and used effectively within the energy generating unit without human intervention, featuring a pivot joint for movement between collapsed and extended positions and a locking mechanism to stabilize the tool fixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal tools are used to remove and replace internal components, then the tools can effectively perform mechanical operations on fasteners, but the magnetic forces from permanent magnets pull the tools away from the work site
Solution Approach 1:
A non-magnetic tool holder serves as an intermediary between the operator and the magnetic environment. The holder is made of non-magnetic material (such as titanium or fiber-reinforced plastic) that is not attracted to the permanent magnets, allowing it to bridge the gap and transmit mechanical forces without being pulled away by magnetic forces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical connection between the operator's hand-held tool and the workpiece with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets in the tool holder attract corresponding magnets in the workpiece, creating a secure mechanical connection without physical contact, thereby eliminating the problem of tools being pulled away
2Ease of operation
If tools are held manually against magnetic forces, then the operator can maintain control, but this increases the difficulty and reduces safety of maintenance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder system is self-servicing in that it automatically maintains control of the tool through magnetic attraction. The magnetic coupling between the tool holder and workpiece creates a self-regulating system where the magnetic force automatically adjusts to maintain connection, eliminating the need for continuous manual counteracting of magnetic forces
Solution Approach 2:
The non-magnetic tool holder acts as a mediator that isolates the operator from the magnetic forces. The operator controls the tool through the non-magnetic holder, which in turn interacts with the magnetic environment, thereby protecting the operator from direct exposure to strong magnetic forces
3Object-affected harmful factors
If expensive non-magnetic tools are used, then the tools are not affected by magnetic forces, but such tools are highly expensive and may not be available with desired size and strength
Solution Approach 1:
The tool system is segmented into two distinct parts: a non-magnetic tool holder that interfaces with the magnetic environment, and conventional metal tools that perform the actual work. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the holder for magnetic resistance and the tools for mechanical performance and cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The non-magnetic tool holder is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate various standard metal tools. The holder serves multiple functions: providing a non-magnetic interface, transmitting mechanical forces, and enabling the use of inexpensive conventional tools, thereby eliminating the need to manufacture expensive specialized non-magnetic tools for each application
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
Enables secure and efficient assembly and disassembly of internal components by preventing tool displacement due to magnetic forces, reducing the need for human operators to manually hold tools and improving safety and reliability in maintenance processes.
Implementation Method 1
tools used to remove bolt connections and similar fasteners may be subjected to magnetic forces applied by the permanent magnets mounted within the generator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
A tool fixture (110) is provided for supporting one or more assembly tools used to assemble and disassemble components within an energy generating unit of a wind turbine. The tool fixture (110) includes a main body (120) that engages a supporting structure (30) extending into the energy generating unit and a tool receiver (140) for securing the assembly tool. The pivotal movement of the tool fixture (110) relative to the supporting structure (30) allows for movement between a first position sized for moving the tool fixture (110) and assembly tools through openings into and out of the energy generating unit, and a second position in which the assembly tools can reach and work on fasteners of internal components inside the energy generating unit.