Patent ID: 9429140
Filing Date: 2016-08-30
CPC Classification: B23P,B29B,B29C,B29D,B29L,F03D,F05B,Y02E,Y02P,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A method for assembling a structural element for a wind turbine blade comprising the steps of: providing a composite beam including two or more preform layers, each preform layer including multiple elongate strength rods which are arranged longitudinally relative to one another in a single layer, and wherein each strength rod is positioned adjacent to and spaced from at least one adjacent strength rod; each strength rod including multiple unidirectional, substantially straight collimated structural fibers fixed in a solidified matrix resin so that each strength rod is rigid and defines a finished geometry including a selected length and width and a selected profile; providing, for each preform layer, a carrier layer and joining the multiple elongate strength rods to the carrier layer by an adhesive applied to at least one of the carrier layer and the strength rods; wherein the carrier layer locates adjacent strength rods a fixed distance apart, the fixed distance permitting the flow of liquid bonding resin between adjacent strength rods of a preform layer to its joined carrier layer; and wherein the carrier layer includes one or more permeable materials suitable to facilitate permeation and penetration to permit flow of liquid bonding resin between stacked preform layers; stacking each preform layer with one or more other preform layers; causing liquid bonding resin to flow between adjacent strength rods and through the carrier layer to which the strength rods are joined and to adjacent stacked preform layers; and solidifying the liquid bonding resin to fix the stacked preform layers to form the structural element.