Connection Base Assembly for Pre-Aligned Container Module Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power generation systems face challenges in the precise alignment and connection of container modules, requiring significant time and effort for installation and replacement, especially when dealing with hydrogen gas pipes, and are prone to tilt-induced wear issues.

Innovation Solution

A connection base with a connecting mechanism and fixing mechanism that allows for easy installation and removal of container modules, including a pipe system and twist locks for precise alignment and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If container modules are installed on a mounting surface such as ground surface, then the power generation system can be assembled, but it takes a lot of time and effort to install the container modules due to precise alignment requirements of pipes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection base is prepared in advance with pre-positioned connection ports and alignment features. The pipe connection interfaces are pre-aligned on the connection base, so when container modules are placed on the base, the pipes automatically align without requiring time-consuming field alignment work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connection base serves as an intermediary platform between the mounting surface and the container modules. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process, absorbing the alignment requirements and providing pre-aligned pipe interfaces to the container modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If container modules are fixed to the mounting surface by laying anchor bolts, then the container modules are securely fixed, but the fixing work requires a long time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidfixing time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection base is pre-fixed to the mounting surface using anchor bolts before the container modules are installed. This preliminary fixing action eliminates the need for time-consuming bolt laying work at the time of container module installation, while still providing secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing process is divided into two separate stages: (1) fixing the connection base to the mounting surface in advance, and (2) placing the container modules on the pre-fixed base. This segmentation allows the time-consuming fixing work to be done beforehand, speeding up the actual module installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If pipes connecting container modules are disconnected and reconnected for replacement, then the malfunctioning module can be replaced, but work such as nitrogen purge is required making it difficult to replace

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement easeVSAvoidreplacement procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection base provides dynamically reusable connection interfaces that can be quickly connected and disconnected. The pipe interfaces remain in place on the connection base, allowing container modules to be swapped without disconnecting and reconnecting pipes, eliminating nitrogen purge requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection base acts as a permanent intermediary that maintains continuous pipe connections to the system. When container modules are replaced, the pipes remain connected to the base, and only the module needs to be swapped, simplifying the replacement procedure significantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If container modules are installed on a sloping ground surface, then the system can be installed in various terrains, but the tilt causes uneven wear of piston ring or like, shortening the life of the container module

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterrain adaptabilityVSAvoidmodule lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection base provides a level platform that counteracts the effect of sloping ground. By installing the container modules on the leveled base rather than directly on the slope, the base compensates for the terrain inclination and maintains proper horizontal orientation of the modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection base serves as an intermediary platform between the sloping ground and the container modules. It provides a level mounting surface that isolates the modules from the slope, ensuring proper orientation and preventing tilt-induced wear while still allowing installation on various terrains.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4711663A1Connection base, plant, and installation method
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 MITSUI E&S CO LTD
  • EP4711663A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4711663A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4711663A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided are a connection base, a plant, and an installation method that enable easy installation and replacement of container modules. A connection base 3 to be fixed to a mounting surface and allow a container module 2 to be installed on an upper surface 3a includes a connecting mechanism 4 to be connected to an instrument 2a installed inside the container module 2 and a pipe 5 arranged at a position below the upper surface 3a, one end of the pipe 5 connected to the connecting mechanism 4, and a fixing mechanism 6 to fix the container module 2. After the container module 2 is placed on the connection base 3, a container-side connecting mechanism 2b of the container module 2 is connected to the connecting mechanism 4 and the container module 2 is fixed to the connection base 3 by the fixing mechanism 6.