Detachable Pod Support Stands for Power Plant Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power plant systems are vulnerable to accidental damage from collisions with objects like vehicles during transportation and placement, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for protection and easy repair in the rental market.
Innovation Solution
A support stand with detachable sheet metal pods that project beyond the enclosure to create a crumple zone, providing protection from collisions and allowing easy replacement if damaged, while also enabling compact transportation and flexible adaptation for rental purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power plant enclosure is made more robust to prevent collision damage, then protection is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is divided into two segments: a permanent robust enclosure for the power plant system and detachable pod elements that can be attached when protection is needed. This segmentation allows the main system to remain lightweight while providing protection only when required during transportation or rental operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective enclosure transitions from a static always-protected design to a dynamic system where pods can be attached and detached based on operational needs. The pods are releasably attached to the base, allowing the protection level to change dynamically between transportation mode (protected) and operational mode (unprotected for access).
2Reliability
If the power plant system is designed with integrated protection structures, then protection is improved, but ease of repair worsens when damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is segmented into a permanent base and detachable pod elements. When a pod is damaged, only that specific pod needs to be replaced rather than the entire enclosure, significantly easing repair requirements and reducing downtime for rental operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that pods may be damaged during operation and facilitates easy replacement of individual pods rather than attempting to repair complex integrated structures. Damaged pods can be quickly removed and replaced with new or spare pods, minimizing operational disruption.
3Ease of repair
If detachable pods are added to the base, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable pods serve multiple functions: they provide collision protection during transportation, can be removed to reduce overall size for storage, and facilitate easy repair by replacing only damaged portions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single design feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The pods are designed with standardized attachment mechanisms that create equivalent connection points around the base, allowing any pod to be attached or removed at any location without requiring different attachment methods. This standardization simplifies the overall system despite the added components.
4Area of stationary object
If the stand footprint is reduced for compact transportation, then transportation efficiency is improved, but protection capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure dynamically changes its footprint based on operational state. During storage or transportation when protection is not needed, the pods are removed reducing the footprint to just the base. When transportation or rental operations require protection, the pods are attached to extend the footprint and provide collision protection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A support stand 8 or stand for a power generation plant enclosure 11 comprising a pair of detachable pods 22, 23, which project beyond the edge of the enclosure. The pods protect the enclosure from damage in use, but can be removed for transporting the plant.