Combustor Lift Frame for Precise Turbine Assembly Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of combustor assemblies in gas turbines require significant force and can be cumbersome, necessitating alternative systems for efficient handling and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A combustor lift system comprising a track, lift arm, and combustor assembly engagement frame, which allows for the transportation, lifting, and alignment of combustor assemblies, reducing the need for additional equipment and facilitating easier installation and removal processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual handling methods are used to install and remove combustor assemblies, then no additional equipment is needed, but significant force is required and the process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
A combustor assembly engagement frame with lifting apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the combustor assembly and the installation/removal process. The frame includes engagement arms that securely hold the combustor assembly and lifting apparatus that provides mechanical advantage, allowing operators to lift and position heavy combustor assemblies with reduced effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the combustor assembly handling process into distinct functional components: engagement frame, engagement arms, and lifting apparatus. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the engagement frame providing structural support and the lifting apparatus providing force multiplication.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional handling methods are used, then equipment complexity is minimized, but alignment precision and installation speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the combustor assembly, offers engagement points for lifting apparatus, and includes alignment features that guide the combustor assembly into proper position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment tools and equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement frame acts as an intermediary that integrates lifting and alignment functions into a single device, reducing the number of separate equipment items needed while maintaining precision alignment capabilities through built-in guide features.
3Productivity
If more force is applied to speed up installation, then installation time is reduced, but the risk of damage and operational difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct manual force application with a mechanical lifting apparatus that provides controlled force multiplication. This substitution allows for faster installation speeds while maintaining ease of operation through the mechanical advantage provided by the lifting mechanism, reducing the need for operators to apply excessive force directly.
Data Source
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AI summary
A combustor assembly lift system (200) comprises a track (210) that extends in at least a longitudinal direction, a lift arm (220) moveably engaged with the track (210) such that it can traverse along the track (210) in at least the longitudinal direction, and a combustor assembly engagement frame (240) connected to the lift arm (220), wherein the combustor assembly engagement frame (240) is configured to temporarily secure to at least a portion of a combustor assembly (20).