Boiler Anchor Load Measurement and Adjustment Arrangement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing boiler suspension systems face challenges in accurately measuring and adjusting anchor loads during operation, particularly due to changes caused by contamination or structural modifications, which can lead to uneven load distribution and potential deformations.

Innovation Solution

A load measurement and adjustment arrangement that includes a pressure cell between the lantern and lifting device allows direct measurement of anchor loads and comparison to desired values, using a stretch nut with an inner sleeve and torque wrench for torsion-free lifting, and a double sheave for load distribution, enabling precise adjustment without bending moments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional spring suspensions or double rolling disk suspensions are used for boiler anchors, then the boiler can be suspended and loaded, but the anchor loads cannot be accurately measured or adjusted during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchor load measurementVSAvoidsuspension system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A load cell is introduced as an intermediary component between the lantern and the lifting device to measure anchor loads. This mediator enables direct measurement of the forces acting on anchors without fundamentally changing the suspension system's core function, resolving the contradiction by adding measurement capability while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension system is designed to serve multiple functions: supporting the boiler weight, enabling load measurement through the load cell, and allowing load adjustment during operation. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by making the system capable of measurement without requiring a completely separate measurement system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If anchor loads are adjusted during operation to compensate for contamination or structural changes, then load distribution can be optimized, but the adjustment process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distribution uniformityVSAvoidload adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The load cell provides real-time feedback on anchor load values, which can be compared against target values to determine necessary adjustments. This feedback mechanism enables systematic load adjustment during operation, resolving the contradiction by providing the information needed for reliable load distribution while streamlining the adjustment process through measured-based decision making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Target load values are predetermined based on design calculations before operation begins. This preliminary action enables quick comparison with actual measured loads during operation, allowing rapid adjustment decisions without complex real-time calculations, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a stretch nut with torque wrench is used for torsion-free lifting, then anchor torsion and boiler frame deformations are minimized, but the device requires more space and has higher weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchor torsion and deformationVSAvoidlifting device weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A stretch nut with inner and outer sleeves acts as an intermediary lifting mechanism that applies axial tensile force without causing torsion. This mediator device resolves the contradiction by eliminating harmful torsional effects during lifting while keeping the added weight acceptable compared to the damage prevention benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting device is segmented into functional components (inner sleeve, outer sleeve, washer, torque wrench) that can be selectively used. This segmentation allows torsion-free lifting when needed while enabling simpler lifting methods for routine operations, resolving the contradiction between preventing deformation and minimizing weight/space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple anchors are adjusted simultaneously with individual arrangements, then each anchor can be precisely controlled, but the space requirement and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchor load precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single lantern structure is designed to support multiple load cells and serve multiple anchors simultaneously. This universal design resolves the contradiction by enabling precise control of multiple anchors through one integrated arrangement rather than requiring separate arrangements for each anchor, thus maintaining precision while reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2784386B1Assembly for load measurement or adjusting the load
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 STEINMUELLER BABCOCK ENVIRONMENT GMBH
  • EP2784386B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2784386B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2784386B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The arrangement has armature that is provided with free end of anchor thread (3a) passes through a bearing on anchor plate (2a) and is screwed directly or indirectly on the anchor plate supporting anchor nut (4). A lantern (5) is provided with an opening (6) for the entry of armature in lantern with a lateral opening (S). The armature is supported on the lamp load cell (8). A distribution plate (11) having a passage opening (11a) for the armature and supported on the load distributor plate device for raising the armature torsion relative to the anchor plate. An independent claim is included for method load measurement or load setting.