Adjustable Skid Plate Layout for Weld-Free Pipe Support Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional skid systems require welding and cutting of structural supports to make adjustments during installation, which is inefficient and time-consuming, as they are typically welded to I-beams, necessitating repositioning and re-welding.
Innovation Solution
The VersaSkid system features a grid design with adjustable skid components, including pipe stands and barricades, that can be bolted to a skid frame, allowing for horizontal and lateral adjustments without cutting or re-welding, and can be connected using beam connector plates to create a customized footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structural supports are welded to I-beams for secure attachment, then the strength and stability of the connection is improved, but the ease of adjustment and repositioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate components: a skid plate welded to the I-beam frame, and detachable supports that attach to the skid plate via slots and fasteners. This segmentation allows the permanent weld to remain on the skid plate while the supports themselves remain adjustable and removable, resolving the contradiction between strong connection and easy adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection transitions from a static welded joint to a dynamic adjustable connection. The supports can be moved along the slots in the skid plate and repositioned at different locations, allowing the system to adapt during installation while maintaining secure attachment through fasteners. This dynamic capability enables both strong connection and easy repositioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If supports are welded in place during installation, then the manufacturing precision and stability of the support position is improved, but the productivity and installation time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The skid plate with pre-welded attachment points and slots is prepared in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows supports to be quickly attached and positioned during installation without requiring on-site welding, thereby improving installation speed while maintaining precise positioning through the pre-configured slot locations and fastener system.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding process is replaced with a mechanical fastening system consisting of slots and fasteners. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming welding operations during installation while maintaining secure attachment and precise positioning through the mechanical connection, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing position precision.
3Reliability
If equipment is welded to the skid frame, then the reliability and permanence of the installation is improved, but the adaptability and flexibility for field adjustments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a permanent welded component (skid plate to I-beam frame) and an adjustable component (supports attached via fasteners). This segmentation allows the welded connection to provide reliable structural support while the detachable supports enable field adjustments and adaptability to different installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The skid plate with slots serves multiple functions: it provides a secure welded attachment to the frame, enables adjustable positioning of supports along the slots, and allows for easy reconfiguration. This multi-functionality achieves both reliability through welding and adaptability through the universal slot-and-fastener system.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for a skid system including a skid apparatus. The skid apparatus may include a skid frame including at least one lateral member coupled to at least one side member at a coupling location, a skid plate coupleable to at least one of the at least one lateral member or to the at least one side member, at least one skid slot extending through the skid plate, and a pipe support configured to couple to the at least one skid slot.