Abstract: A wind turbine blade mold including a first mold surface, at least one aperture located within the first mold surface, the at least one aperture configured to receive at least one pin, the least one pin having a first end and a second end defining a length extending therebetween, the second end of the pin disposed within a pin driver, the pin driver disposed on a second mold surface, the pin driver configured to displace the at least one pin from a retracted position wherein the first end of the at least one pin is disposed below the first mold surface, to an extended position wherein the first end of the at least one pin is disposed above the first mold surface.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade mold system having built in precision pins to locate structural components (e.g. spar caps) during layup of composite segments. A plurality of pins can be inserted through the layers of composite layups and into apertures within the mold, with spar caps positioned against the pins to ensure precise positioning, thereby preventing/inhibiting movement of the spar cap relative to the mold. A plurality of pins can be inserted through the layers of composite layups and into apertures within the mold, with cams attached to the pins and moveable to engage spar caps to ensure precise positioning of the spar cap, as well as preventing any drift during subsequent operations. The pins can remain embedded within the final molded part.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade mold including a first mold surface, at least one aperture located within the first mold surface, the at least one aperture configured to receive at least one pin, the least one pin having a first end and a second end defining a length extending therebetween, the second end of the pin disposed within a pin driver, the pin driver disposed on a second mold surface, the pin driver configured to displace the at least one pin from a retracted position wherein the first end of the at least one pin is disposed below the first mold surface, to an extended position wherein the first end of the at least one pin is disposed above the first mold surface.

Abstract: Provided herein is a wind turbine blade mold system having built in precision pins to locate structural components (e.g. spar caps) during layup of composite segments. A plurality of pins can be inserted through the layers of composite layups and into apertures within the mold, with spar caps positioned against the pins to ensure precise positioning, thereby preventing/inhibiting movement of the spar cap relative to the mold. A plurality of pins can be inserted through the layers of composite layups and into apertures within the mold, with cams attached to the pins and moveable to engage spar caps to ensure precise positioning of the spar cap, as well as preventing any drift during subsequent operations. The pins can remain embedded within the final molded part.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Large composite structures are produced using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process incorporating a resin distribution network. The resin distribution network is provided by a textured sheet of metal formed as an integral vacuum bag and mold. The texture is formed by upraised portions on one side of the sheet which correspond with depressions on the other side. Valleys between the upraised portions form the resin distribution network. A fiber lay up is placed against the textural sheet with the upraised portions facing the lay up. Main feeder grooves are also formed directly in the sheet. Resin is supplied under vacuum to the main feeder grooves, from where it travels through the valleys of the textured sheet to impregnate the lay up.

Abstract: A method of constructing large, unitary, fiber-reinforced Polymer composite containers using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process. The method allows for the construction of container systems with only two separately molded parts—an open box consisting of a base (i.e., floor), 2 sidewalls and 2 endwalls, and a cover (i.e., roof). The method results in a structure which maintains the continuity of the reinforcement fibers across the junction between the floor, side, and end walls corners. This method can be applied to very large composite structures such as railcar bodies, intermodal containers, and shelters.

Abstract: Large composite structures are produced using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process incorporating a resin distribution network. The structure includes cores each having a main feeder groove or channel therein. A resin distribution network is provided adjacent the core surface in fluid communication with the feeder groove. In a first embodiment, the resin distribution network comprises a plurality of microgrooves formed in each core surface. In a second embodiment, the resin distribution network comprises a separate distribution medium surrounding each core. Each core and associated resin distribution network is covered with a fiber material. The dry lay-up is placed against a mold and encapsulated in a vacuum bag. Uncured resin is fed under vacuum directly into the main feeder groove in each core via a fitting through the bag. The resin flows from the main feeder groove through the resin distribution network and outwardly into the fiber material and is allowed to cure.

Abstract: Large composite structures are produced using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process. The structures incorporate cores, which may be hollow cells or foam blocks. A plurality of cores, each of which may be wrapped with a fiber material, is arranged in a layer on a mold with a fiber material arranged to form face skins. The assembly is sealed under a vacuum bag to a mold surface. One or more main feeder conduits are provided in communication with a resin distribution network of smaller channels which facilitates flow of uncured resin into and through the fiber material. The resin distribution network may comprise a network of grooves formed in the surfaces or the cores and/or rounded corners of the cores. The network of smaller channels may also be provided between the vacuum bag and the fiber material, either integrally in the vacuum bag or via a separate distribution medium.