RAPID MATERIAL PLACEMENT APPLICATION FOR WIND TURBINE BLADE MANUFACTURE

摘要

An apparatus is disclosed for charging molds used to mold wind turbine blades in which the molds have a root end and a tip end. The apparatus includes a first and second gantries located at the root end of the mold and capable of moving to the tip end of the mold. A layup end effector on the first gantry receives a length of reinforcing ply material and temporarily stores the ply material on the layup end effector. A clamping end effector mounted on the second gantry has a clamping board that is shaped to fit the root end of the mold. The clamping end effector grips the end of the ply material temporarily stored on the layup end effector secures the end of the ply material to the root end of the mold while the first gantry lays the ply material in the mold.