Flange Assembly for Rapid Rotor Replacement in Wind Turbines
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel flange assembly for quickly replacing rotors in wind turbines, enabling efficient and safe maintenance operations.
Background and Problem Solved
Wind turbine maintenance is a significant challenge due to the complexity and height of the structures. The original flange assembly patent addressed quick replacement of woks in cooking machines, but its limitations in terms of scalability and adaptability hindered its application to other industries. This new inventive concept adapts the core technology to address the specific problem of rotor replacement in wind turbines, reducing downtime and increasing overall efficiency.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The flange assembly for rapid rotor replacement in wind turbines comprises a first flange, a second flange, and at least one resilient piece. The first flange is fixedly connected to the rotor and detachably connected to the second flange in a clamped manner, allowing for quick detachment and reattachment of the rotor. The flange assembly may further include positioning pins and resilient pieces to ensure secure and aligned connections. The system enables rapid replacement of rotors, reducing maintenance time and increasing overall wind turbine efficiency.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of the flange assembly technology to the wind turbine industry, providing a non-obvious solution to the specific problem of rotor replacement. The inventive step lies in adapting the core technology to accommodate the unique requirements of wind turbines, such as scalability, weight, and safety considerations.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the flange assembly could include modifications to the resilient piece design, additional safety features, or integration with existing wind turbine maintenance systems. Variations of the inventive concept could also be applied to other industries, such as aerospace or industrial machinery, where rapid replacement of rotors or similar components is critical.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The flange assembly for rapid rotor replacement in wind turbines has significant commercial potential in the renewable energy sector, where maintenance efficiency and reduced downtime are critical. The target market includes wind turbine manufacturers, operators, and maintenance service providers seeking to optimize their operations and reduce costs.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A47 | A47J36/34 |
| A | A47 | A47J27/002 |
| A | A47 | A47J27/004 |
| F | F16 | F16L23/08 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Mechanical engineering with specialization in modular connection systems for rotational components, encompassing household appliances, industrial machinery, and renewable energy equipment. Expertise includes flange design, quick-release mechanisms, and precision alignment technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with 5-7 years experience in mechanical design, familiar with modular connection systems, skilled in adapting mechanical interfaces across different technical domains, and capable of translating design principles between industries
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental similarity between the wok flange assembly and wind turbine rotor connection system, understanding that the core mechanical principles of quick-release, aligned connections are transferable across different rotational component applications. The technical elements of clamping, positioning pins, and resilient connection mechanisms demonstrate a predictable adaptation of known mechanical interface technologies. The wind turbine application represents a straightforward extension of the source patent's core mechanical design principles.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,108 |
|---|---|
| Title | Flange assembly for achieving quick replacement of a wok and wok assembly device |
| Assignee(s) | SHANGHAI AICAN ROBOT (GROUP) CO., LTD. |