Combustor Positioning Platform for Inaccessible Fixture Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional overhead positioning tools, such as cranes, are ineffective for handling large and complex gas turbine components like combustors due to inaccessible equipment fixture points, posing challenges in safe and efficient installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a height adjustable table, tilt adjuster, equipment support structure, and drive mechanism, along with a scaffold and adjustable arms, allows for precise alignment and attachment of heavy equipment at inaccessible points, enabling safe and efficient positioning of components like gas turbine combustors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional overhead positioning tools (cranes) are used, then heavy equipment can be positioned, but equipment fixture points oriented toward the lower half of the machine are inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus inverts the conventional overhead positioning approach by positioning equipment from the bottom upward. The platform is positioned below the equipment fixture point, and the equipment support structure extends upward to engage with the fixture point, reversing the traditional top-down positioning methodology to access previously unreachable lower-oriented fixture points
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional overhead (vertical top-down) positioning to a multi-dimensional approach by introducing horizontal positioning capabilities through the platform's ability to move laterally and the equipment support structure's ability to extend at various angles, accessing fixture points in previously unreachable spatial dimensions
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual positioning is used as an alternative to conventional cranes, then equipment can be positioned, but it is not possible where the equipment is very heavy or large
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs dynamic positioning capabilities with the platform able to adjust its position horizontally and vertically, and the equipment support structure capable of extending and retracting to accommodate varying equipment weights and sizes. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to handle equipment that is too heavy or large for manual positioning while remaining flexible enough to work with smaller equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed as a universal positioning apparatus that can handle a wide range of equipment weights and sizes. The platform, equipment support structure, and engagement mechanism are configured to accommodate both very heavy equipment requiring mechanical assistance and lighter equipment that could be manually positioned, consolidating multiple positioning capabilities into a single system
3Length of moving object
If equipment fixture points are oriented circumferentially around the central rotor, then turbine length can be minimized, but positioning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into distinct functional components: the platform for horizontal and vertical movement, the equipment support structure for extending and positioning, and the engagement mechanism for securing equipment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to handle circumferentially oriented equipment without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment support structure serves as an intermediary between the platform and the equipment fixture point. It translates the platform's positional adjustments into precise alignment with circumferentially oriented fixture points, simplifying the overall positioning task by breaking it into manageable steps through this intermediate component
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include apparatuses and systems used for the positioning of equipment. An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include a height adjustable table; a platform coupled to the height adjustable table; a tilt adjuster coupled to the platform, the tilt adjuster being configured to tilt the platform relative to the height adjustable table; an equipment support structure slidably connected to the platform, the equipment support structure being configured to support a piece of equipment; a drive mechanism coupled to the platform and configured to slidably move the equipment support structure across the platform; and a bracket coupled to the equipment support structure, wherein the bracket is configured to removably attach the piece of equipment.