Base Frame Stiffening With Strain Gauges and Hydraulic Jacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for mitigating structural anomalies in grout-less base frames of rotating machines are cumbersome, time-consuming, and require specialized knowledge, involving extensive vibration analysis and physical modifications that take weeks to complete.
Innovation Solution
A stiffening device comprising strain gauges coupled to structural members, Wheatstone bridge circuits, and hydraulic jacks actuated by a console to increase directional stiffness, automatically correcting structural anomalies by detecting deformation and actuating jacks when predefined thresholds are exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vibration analysis and structural modification methods are used to mitigate structural anomalies, then structural resonance and cracks can be detected and corrected, but the process takes 2-3 weeks and requires specialized equipment and expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing strain gauges on critical structural members during manufacturing or initial setup. This allows continuous monitoring to be ready in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming setup during vibration analysis and enabling immediate detection and response to structural anomalies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical vibration analysis systems (requiring bump tests, FEA, modal analysis) with a simplified electrical sensing system using strain gauges and Wheatstone bridge circuits. This substitution transforms a mechanically intensive 2-3 week process into an immediate electrical measurement process
2Strength
If additional structural members are welded and stress relieving is performed to increase stiffness, then natural frequency can be shifted away from operational frequency, but the process requires complete machine dismantlement and takes extensive time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the base frame into critical structural members and monitoring them individually with separate strain gauge installations. This allows targeted stiffening of specific members rather than requiring complete structural modification, reducing complexity and enabling selective reinforcement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces strain gauges as intermediary sensing elements that provide real-time feedback on structural member behavior. This intermediary system enables identification of which specific members require stiffening, allowing targeted modifications rather than comprehensive structural changes
3Productivity
If strain gauges and automated jack systems are used to increase directional stiffness, then structural anomalies can be corrected rapidly with minimal dismantlement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated control system where strain gauges continuously monitor structural members and automatically trigger hydraulic jacks when threshold violations are detected. This self-monitoring and self-correcting system eliminates the need for continuous human intervention and specialized expertise, making the complex device operate autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by connecting strain gauge measurements to a control system that continuously compares actual strain values against predefined thresholds. When thresholds are exceeded, the system provides feedback signals to activate hydraulic jacks, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically responds to structural anomalies
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device rapidly and efficiently increases directional stiffness, reducing vibrations and coupled modes of movement in rotating machinery, enabling quicker rectification of structural anomalies with minimal manual effort and specialized knowledge.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of strain gauges coupled to structural members of the base frame such that there being at least one of the plurality of strain gauges coupled to each of the structural members, the plurality of strain gauges coupled to at least one Wheatstone bridge circuit, the plurality of strain gauges configured to detect deformation in the structural members of the base frame and generate first signals based on the detected deformation in the structural members
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of jacks fitted with the structural members of the base frame such that there being at least one of the plurality of jacks fitted with each of the structural members
Implementation Method 3
at least one signal conditioner unit operatively coupled to the plurality of strain gauges to receive the generated first signals, the at least one signal conditioner unit adapted to generate second signals by performing any or a combination of amplification, filtering and conversion of the received first signals
Data Source
AI summary
A stiffening device for a base frame is disclosed. The disclosed stiffening device comprises hydraulic jacks fitted with structural members of the base frame; strain gauges coupled to the structural members of the base frame, the strain gauges configured to detect deformation in the structural members of the base frame and generate first signals based on the detected deformation in the structural members; at least one signal conditioner unit coupled to the strain gauges to receive the first signals and generate second signals by performing any or a combination of amplification, filtering and conversion of the received first signals; and a hydraulic console configured to actuate at least one of the hydraulic jacks when value of received second signals is above a predefined threshold value. Upon actuation, the actuated at least one of the jacks stiffens at least one of the structural members of the base frame.