Eccentric Rod Coupling Bolt Hole Alignment Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precise alignment of large rotating turbomachinery coupling holes is time-consuming and difficult due to tight clearance between bolts and bolt holes, requiring inefficient hydraulic jack methods.
Innovation Solution
A coupling bolt hole alignment tool and method using an expandable sleeve assembly with a rotatable rod and pin/paw assembly to align coupling holes, allowing for concentric alignment and accommodating varying bolt hole sizes through adjustable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydraulic jack is used to turn one coupling half with a temporary pin, then rotation of the coupling half is achieved, but the alignment process becomes time-consuming and difficult due to tight clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized alignment tool as an intermediary device between the hydraulic jack and the coupling half. This tool includes a long rod with an eccentric hole that extends across both coupling halves, and a pawl mechanism that engages with the rod. The intermediary tool translates the rotational force from the hydraulic jack into precise alignment motion, overcoming the difficulty of direct manipulation caused by tight clearances.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment tool extends in the longitudinal dimension (across both coupling halves) rather than operating solely within the limited radial clearance space. The long rod spans the gap between coupling halves, allowing alignment forces to be applied through a different dimensional approach that bypasses the constraint of tight radial clearance.
2Manufacturing precision
If tight clearance of 0.001 inch is maintained for precise bolt fit, then bolt installation precision is improved, but coupling hole alignment becomes quite difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment tool serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables easy alignment operation without compromising bolt fit precision. The tool's design with the eccentric hole and pawl mechanism allows operators to easily align coupling holes through rotational motion, while the tight clearance is maintained during the final bolt installation phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment tool introduces dynamic rotational motion to the alignment process. The hydraulic jack applies force to rotate the coupling half dynamically, and the eccentric hole in the rod converts this rotation into linear alignment motion. This dynamic approach makes the alignment process much easier compared to static adjustment methods.
3Productivity
If traditional hydraulic jack method is used for alignment, then coupling halves can be rotated, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The specialized alignment tool acts as an efficient intermediary that amplifies the productivity of the hydraulic jack system. By introducing the long rod with eccentric hole and pawl mechanism, the system can achieve alignment much faster than direct hydraulic jack operation, reducing overall outage duration while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment tool uses partial rotation of the coupling half through the eccentric hole mechanism to achieve complete alignment. Instead of requiring full 360-degree rotation or multiple adjustment cycles, the eccentric geometry allows alignment to be achieved through a limited portion of rotational motion, significantly reducing time consumption.
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
The solution significantly reduces alignment time, minimizes outage duration, and ensures accurate alignment, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue and reducing maintenance costs by facilitating faster and more precise bolt installation.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable sleeve assembly inserted into the first coupling hole and secured into the first coupling hole
Implementation Method 2
secured into the first coupling hole with a wedge nut
Implementation Method 3
an eccentric hole formed in one end of the rotatable rod such that an opening of the eccentric hole is in a mating face of the second coupling half
Implementation Method 4
The paw is disposed within the first coupling hole and includes a portion oriented against a wall of the first coupling hole
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling bolt hole alignment tool, a method to align two coupling holes, one in each of two coupling halves, and a system to align two coupling holes are provided. The coupling bolt hole alignment tool and system includes an expandable sleeve assembly configured to be inserted into the second coupling hole and secured into the second coupling hole with a wedge nut. A rotatable rod including an eccentric hole formed in one end of the rod is contained within the expandable sleeve assembly. A pin/paw assembly includes a pin and paw. The pin is inserted into the eccentric hole from the first coupling hole and the paw is disposed within the first coupling hole and includes a portion oriented against a wall of the first coupling hole. Rotation of the rotatable rod while the pin/paw assembly is held stationary by a restraining device aligns the two coupling holes.