Windmill Blade Assembly with Adjustable Pitch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of windmill turbines in generating electricity is limited by the fixed pitch of traditional rotatable windmill blade assemblies, which do not optimize aerodynamic characteristics for varying wind conditions, leading to suboptimal power output.
Innovation Solution
The design introduces a rotatable windmill blade assembly with L-shaped or rectangular blade members that can be angled and aligned to create a specific pitch, allowing for improved aerodynamic configuration by sliding, folding, and welding to a common hub, enabling efficient rotation in response to wind flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixed-pitch blade assemblies are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the aerodynamic efficiency is limited and cannot be optimized for varying wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is divided into multiple individual blades that can be independently configured and positioned, allowing each blade to be optimized for specific aerodynamic performance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly incorporates adjustable pitch mechanisms that allow the blades to be repositioned to different angles relative to the rotor plane, enabling optimization of aerodynamic characteristics for varying wind conditions and maximizing power generation efficiency
2Device complexity
If coplanar blade configuration is used, then the manufacturing and assembly process is straightforward, but the aerodynamic responsiveness to wind flow is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly employs asymmetric blade designs with varying pitch angles and orientations relative to the rotor plane, creating optimized aerodynamic profiles that enhance wind flow responsiveness and rotational speed while maintaining manageable configuration complexity through systematic arrangement
3Productivity
If variable pitch configuration is implemented, then aerodynamic optimization is achieved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable pitch functionality is achieved through segmented blade structures with independent pitch adjustment mechanisms, allowing aerodynamic optimization without requiring complex integrated systems, thereby managing structural complexity while maintaining high aerodynamic efficiency
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 responsiveness of the blades to wind, leading to higher rotational speeds and increased electricity generation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of opposing L-shaped blade members slide into engagement with one another
Implementation Method 2
The blade members are pushed towards one another so as to slide together
Implementation Method 3
a rotatable windmill blade assembly that is rotated in response to the wind
Implementation Method 4
The rotatable blade assembly has particular application to be connected to a shaft of an outdoors windmill which functions to generate electricity as the blades of the assembly spin in the wind
Implementation Method 5
Prior to securing (e.g., welding) the pair of L-shaped blade members to the hub
Data Source
AI summary
A windmill blade assembly that is rotated in response to the wind. Each of a first and a second blade member has first and opposite ends and a hub mounting hole located between the ends. The first blade member is located above the second blade member such that the hub mounting holes thereof are axially aligned to receive a hub therethrough. The first and second blade members are turned along the hub or bent so as to provide a pitch that is aerodynamically configured to cause the rotatable blade assembly to spin. The windmill blade assembly is connected by a correspondingly rotatable shaft which extends from the hub thereof to an electrical power generator.