Can-Combustor Mounting Device with Eccentric Hook
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional methods for mounting, dismantling, replacing, and maintaining can-combustors in gas turbine engines are inefficient, requiring extensive man-hours, posing safety risks, and risking damage to the engine due to the need for complex scaffolding and crane operations, especially given the weight and circumferential arrangement of these components.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring an eccentric driven hook and modular design allows for safe and precise axial shifting of can-combustors within the gas turbine housing, utilizing a main crane and fixation to the housing for radial adjustment and alignment, enabling simultaneous maintenance of upper and lower can-combustors with adjustable angles and linear drivers for efficient extraction and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods with scaffolding and crane operations are used for mounting/dismantling can-combustors, then the combustor can be replaced, but the process requires extensive man-hours and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized mounting/dismantling device as an intermediary tool between the crane and the can-combustor. This device includes a support structure with positioning elements that interface with the combustor, allowing controlled manipulation and precise placement during installation or removal operations, thereby reducing manual intervention time and improving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates preliminary positioning and alignment features that prepare the can-combustor for installation before final mounting. The support structure includes guides and positioning elements that pre-align the combustor with the engine housing, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures and reducing overall installation time
2Productivity
If scaffolding and complex crane operations are used, then the combustor can be replaced, but the risk of damage to the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The specialized device acts as a protective intermediary between the heavy crane equipment and the delicate can-combustor components. The support structure distributes loads evenly and provides controlled movement, preventing sudden shifts or drops that could damage the engine housing or surrounding components
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates cushioning and shock-absorbing features in its support structure to protect against accidental drops or sudden movements during the mounting/dismantling process. The design includes energy-absorbing elements that mitigate the impact of unexpected failures, preventing damage to the expensive engine components
3Ease of operation
If conventional overhead crane operations on scaffolding are used, then the combustor can be replaced, but the work conditions are dangerous and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides a stable intermediary platform that eliminates the need for workers to climb scaffolding and perform overhead operations. The support structure allows ground-based operators to control the mounting/dismantling process through mechanical interfaces, improving safety while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-aligning and self-positioning through its mechanical interfaces with the can-combustor and engine housing. The positioning elements automatically guide the combustor into the correct location, reducing the need for manual adjustment and minimizing worker exposure to hazardous overhead environments
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerning of a device for mounting or dismantling, replacement and maintenance of a can-combustor of a gas turbine engine including an assembly tool or assembly tool with additional frame having at least one lifting beam, at least one linear driver, wheels, at least one eccentric rolling hook for fixation of the gas turbine housing, optionally spacers for building the interface to the can-combustor, adapters, lifting points for the main crane. The eccentric rolling hook is connected to the gas turbine housing by giving in axial or quasi-axial direction a force for mounting or dismantling the can-combustor from the gas turbine housing.