Method of joining segments of a composite component

Abstract

Methods are provided for joining a composite component, such as a rotor blade of a wind turbine. Accordingly, a first blade segment is provided and a bladder assembly is positioned thereon. Additionally, an adhesive element is positioned in a first position on the first blade segment. A second blade segment is positioned with the first blade segment so as to define an inner cavity therebetween. The inner cavity contains the adhesive element and the bladder assembly, but the adhesive element does not contact the second blade segment while in the first position. The bladder assembly is inflated to transition the adhesive element to a second position in contact with both the first blade segment and the second blade segment. With the adhesive element in contact with both blade segments, the adhesive element is allowed to cure in order to secure the blade segments to one another.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.