Compressor Gear Module Layout for Thermal Elongation Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing driving machine modules in marine facilities are hindered in size reduction due to the lateral protrusion of storage tanks, which also experience thermal elongation affecting gear part alignment.

Innovation Solution

The storage tank is positioned below the gear part, with a gear support system allowing horizontal movement to mitigate thermal elongation, and a tank support system enabling relative movement with the base plate, ensuring stable gear alignment and module size reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the storage tank is arranged on the outside surface of the base plate, then the storage tank can be easily accessed and maintained, but the driving machine module size increases due to lateral protrusion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of access and maintenanceVSAvoiddriving machine module size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage tank is repositioned from a lateral arrangement on the base plate to a vertical arrangement below the gear part. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical placement eliminates lateral protrusion and reduces the overall footprint of the driving machine module while maintaining accessibility for maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage tank is positioned within the vertical space below the gear part, effectively nesting the storage function within the existing structural envelope. This allows the storage tank to be accommodated without increasing the external dimensions of the driving machine module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the storage tank is arranged below the gear part, then the driving machine module size is reduced, but thermal elongation causes gear part position shift

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving machine module sizeVSAvoidgear part position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gear support part is designed with movable connections to the storage tank, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position in response to thermal elongation. This dynamic capability enables the gear support part to compensate for dimensional changes in the storage tank while maintaining accurate gear meshing positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system accommodates thermal elongation by allowing parameter changes in the relative positions of components. The movable connection between the gear support part and storage tank permits positional adjustments that compensate for thermal expansion, maintaining gear alignment despite temperature-induced dimensional changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the gear support part is made fixed to prevent movement, then position stability is improved, but thermal elongation stress increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegear part position stabilityVSAvoidthermal elongation stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The gear support part employs a dynamic connection to the storage tank rather than a fixed rigid connection. This allows the system to maintain gear position stability through controlled movement, preventing the accumulation of thermal stress that would occur with a completely fixed arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable connection acts as an intermediary between the storage tank and gear support part, mediating the transmission of thermal elongation effects. This intermediary mechanism allows for stress relief while maintaining functional stability of the gear positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration effectively reduces the overall size of the driving machine module while stabilizing gear alignment and suppressing the impact of thermal elongation, ensuring accurate operation and reduced misalignment.

Implementation Method 1

the temperature of the storage tank itself rises and the storage tank generates thermal elongation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal elongation: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the gear key member slides along the gear guide groove once the storage tank is deformed in the horizontal direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11268611B2Driving machine module

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTIES COMPRESSOR CORP

AI summary

A compressor module is provided with: a driving machine that has an output shaft driven to rotate about an axis; a gear part having at least a first gear that rotates integrally with the output shaft and a second gear that rotates integrally with an input shaft of a load device; a storage tank that is arranged below the gear part in the vertical direction so as to support the gear part and that stores lubricating oil; a base plate that supports the driving machine and the storage tank; and a gear support part that supports the gear part with respect to the storage tank so as to be relatively movable in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction.