Patent classifications
B29L2031/085
Apparatus for manufacturing composite airfoils
The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for manufacturing a composite component. The apparatus includes a mold onto which the composite component is formed. The mold is disposed within a grid defined by a first axis and a second axis. The apparatus further includes a first frame assembly disposed above the mold, and a plurality of machine heads coupled to the first frame assembly within the grid in an adjacent arrangement along the first axis. At least one of the mold or the plurality of machine heads is moveable along the first axis, the second axis, or both. At least one of the machine heads of the plurality of machine heads is moveable independently of one another along a third axis.
Post-modulation station and an associated method of manufacture of a wind turbine blade
A post-moulding station is described which is used in the manufacturing of a wind turbine blade. A blade shell forming part of a wind turbine blade is initially moulded in a blade mould, the blade shell subsequently transferred to a post-moulding station which allows for various post-moulding operations to be carried out on the blade shell away from the mould, thereby increasing the productivity of the blade mould in the manufacturing process. The post-moulding station may be operable to perform the closing of first and second blade shells to form a wind turbine blade, and may be formed from an adjustable structure which can provide relatively easy access to the contained blade shell for working thereon. Accordingly, the manufacturing equipment may be of reduced cost, combined with an increase in the overall productivity of the manufacturing system.
Method for manufacturing a wind turbine blade
A method for manufacturing a wind turbine blade, including the step of monitoring a process of infusing and/or curing a fiber lay-up with resin in a mold, wherein the monitoring is based on sensor data obtained from the resin infusion and/or curing process displayed in an augmented reality device, is provided. Displaying sensor data obtained from the resin infusion and/or curing process in an augmented reality device allows to better monitor the resin infusion and/or curing process. Thus, the quality of the manufactured wind turbine blade can be improved.
Semi-automated layup process for fabrication of wind turbine blades using laser projection system
A system for fabrication of a wind turbine blade including a laser projection which identifies the dimensions for a plurality of layup segments; determines the sequence of layup segments within first and second sections of the mold, wherein the sequence of layup segments within the second section of the mold are synchronized with the layup segments within a first section of the mold. The system also includes a projection device visually depicting the boundaries of a plurality of layup segments onto the mold. This system automates fabrication of composite structures by setting a pace for each task and ensuring operators complete each task within the allotted period. The projection system and layup delivery mechanism can advance with respect the mold to ensure the pace is maintained and an overall product cycle time is adhered to.
QUICK ADJUST ROOT PLATE ATTACHMENT FOR WIND TURBINE BLADE MOLDS
The present disclosure provides for a root plate assembly system, an axially adjustable, rigid connection between a metallic (e.g. steel) root plate and a composite root flange of a wind turbine blade mold. The system includes a root plate including a flange portion with at least one aperture disposed therein. The system includes a sealing collar disposed within the aperture in the root plate. The system includes at least one washer having a larger diameter than the aperture in the root plate. The system includes a threaded collar having a longitudinally extending channel and threads on an outer surfaces thereof. The system includes a fastener disposed at least partially within the longitudinally extending channel of the threaded collar. The system includes a locknut disposed above the fastener abutting the fastener and a bolt cover disposed over the locknut, the bolt cover abutting the collar.
Method for producing a rotor blade root half and a manufacturing mould therefor
The disclosure relates to a method for producing a component of a rotor blade in that a vacuum film (16) is placed on a positive mould (1), layers (17) are laid on the positive mold (1), a negative mould (3) is pivoted over the occupied positive mold (1), the vacuum film (16) is then sealed from the negative mould (3), a vacuum is then drawn against the negative mold (3), and the negative mould (3) together with the layers (17) is then pivoted back.
A WIND TURBINE COMPONENT
A wind turbine component, the wind turbine component comprising a laminate of layers with an outer side and an inner side, wherein the outer side faces an exterior of the wind turbine component and the inner side faces an interior of the wind turbine component, the laminate of layers being configured to reflect a radar wave impinging the outer side of the laminate of layers, wherein a reflection loss of the reflected radar wave is below a threshold at a frequency, the laminate of layers comprising: an attenuating layer comprising reinforcing fiberglass or reinforcing carbon fibers, a polymer matrix, and radar absorbing particles; a reflective layer arranged on the inner side of the attenuating layer, the reflective layer being configured to reflect a transmitted portion of the radar wave, the transmitted portion of the radar wave being a portion of the radar wave that has passed through the attenuating layer.
MEASURING DEVICE FOR MEASURING UNEVENESS OF A SURFACE OF AN ITEM
The present invention relates to a measuring device for characterising a shape of a surface of an item, such as a wind turbine blade fibre layup, wherein the measuring device comprises: a frame comprising a holding frame, a first set of two or more probes movably held in the holding frame, each probe having a respective probe end for contacting the surface of the item, and electronic sensing means configured to provide for each probe a respective electrical signal representative of a position of the probe relative to the holding frame. A method for calibrating such a device is provided. Further, a method for characterising a shape of a surface of an item is provided.
Apparatus for Automatic Manufacturing of Wind Turbine Blades
An apparatus and method for the automatic manufacturing of wind turbine blades, including an elongate tool support (2) with a main suspension beam (4), a plurality of support frames (8) supporting the main suspension beam (4) above the wind turbine blade mould (1), an elongate guide rail (5) provided on the main suspension beam (4) so as to extend longitudinally along the main suspension beam (4), a slider base (6) slidably mounted on the guide rail (5), a drive mechanism (53) for driving the slider base (6) longitudinally along the guide rail (5) and a tool holder (7) mounted on the slider base (6). The apparatus/method improves the efficiency and accuracy of the blade manufacture, and also reduces the exposure of the human body to harmful substances used in blade manufacture.
Insert for a wind turbine blade root
An insert (105) for a wind turbine blade root. The insert (105) has a bushing (40) and an outer surface with circumferential annular grooves (68). A transition layer 5 (102) is built up around the bushing (40). The transition layer (102) has fibrous material sheet layers and filamentary material windings (80) in the grooves which alternate with fibrous plies (98) covering the grooves (68). Each fibrous ply (98) is anchored into the grooves (68) by the windings (80). Fibrous battens (148) are fitted around the transition layer (102) to form an insert body (108). Each batten (148) 10 has a deltoid cross-section so that the battens give the insert a quadrilateral or trapezoidal cross-section.