Wind Turbine Blade Repair System Utilizing Set Screw Assembly

Publication ID: 24-11857228_0007_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Wind Turbine Blade Repair System Utilizing Set Screw Assembly,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857228_0007_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857228_0007_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,228.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A novel system for repairing damaged wind turbine blades using a set screw assembly, enabling efficient and reliable blade repair and maintenance.

Background and Problem Solved

Wind turbine blades are prone to damage, requiring costly and time-consuming repairs. Existing repair methods often involve lengthy downtime and significant resource allocation. The original patent for a set screw assembly in femoral nail applications inspired a new solution for wind turbine blade repair, addressing the limitations of current repair methods.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The wind turbine blade repair system comprises a set screw assembly configured to be received within a compartment of a blade repair device. The set screw assembly includes a first member with a proximal portion and a distal portion extending along a longitudinal axis. A third member is insertable into the proximal portion of the first member to selectively lock the set screw assembly in place. This innovative system enables efficient blade repair by providing a reliable and secure means of attaching the blade screw to the repair device.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in the application of the set screw assembly to wind turbine blade repair, which was not originally considered in the femoral nail patent. The inventive step involves the adaptation of the set screw assembly to accommodate the unique requirements of wind turbine blade repair, providing a new solution for this specific industry.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the wind turbine blade repair system could include modifications to the set screw assembly, such as adjustable or removable components, or the integration of sensors or monitoring systems to enhance repair efficiency and blade performance. Variations of the system could also be designed for specific wind turbine blade types or sizes.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The wind turbine blade repair system has significant commercial potential in the renewable energy industry, addressing the growing demand for efficient and reliable wind turbine maintenance solutions. Target markets include wind turbine manufacturers, repair service providers, and wind farm operators.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61B17/744
A	A61	A61B17/8897

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Medical device and mechanical engineering, specifically focusing on precision attachment systems involving set screw assemblies with lockable flanges and multi-component mechanical interfaces

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in precision mechanical assemblies, familiar with modular component design, mechanical locking mechanisms, and cross-industry adaptation of technical solutions

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental mechanical principles of the set screw assembly from the femoral nail patent are readily transferable to other technical domains requiring precise, adjustable mechanical interfaces. The core technical concept of a modular set screw with lockable flanges and a third member for selective locking represents a generalizable mechanical solution that can be adapted across different technical applications with predictable results.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Set screw assembly with proximal and distal portions and lockable flanges

PTD Variation

Applying the set screw assembly to wind turbine blade repair systems

Obviousness Reasoning

Adapting a known mechanical locking mechanism to a different technical domain represents a standard design approach for a PHOSITA, where the fundamental mechanical principles remain consistent across applications

Source Patent Element

Angulated opening for receiving a neck screw

PTD Variation

Angulated opening for receiving a blade screw in wind turbine repair device

Obviousness Reasoning

Substituting medical device components with analogous mechanical components in another technical field is a predictable variation that a PHOSITA would find obvious

Source Patent Element

Third member for selectively transitioning flanges between locked and unlocked conditions

PTD Variation

Using third member to lock set screw assembly in blade repair device

Obviousness Reasoning

The mechanical principle of selective locking through a modular component is a known technique that can be applied across different mechanical systems with minimal inventive effort

Source Patent Element

Threaded internal and external surfaces for precise component interaction

PTD Variation

Implementing similar threaded surfaces in wind turbine blade repair set screw assembly

Obviousness Reasoning

Precise mechanical interfaces using threading are standard design solutions that a PHOSITA would recognize as transferable across different technical domains

Source Patent Element

Radially moveable flanges defining sidewall of proximal portion

PTD Variation

Implementing radially adjustable flanges in blade repair device set screw assembly

Obviousness Reasoning

Mechanical design principles involving radial movement and adjustable components represent standard engineering problem-solving techniques

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857228 and the principles of mechanical design, the variations disclosed in the wind turbine blade repair system set screw assembly would be obvious to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art. The fundamental mechanical principles of modular set screw assemblies with lockable flanges represent a known technique that can be predictably adapted across technical domains, rendering any claims to such variations unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,228
Title	Set screw for femoral nail
Assignee(s)	Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC