Electric Generator Casing With Detachable Flange Inserts

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric generator casings face transportation constraints due to protruding flanges that exceed the allowed maximum size, limiting the mantel size and requiring complex adaptations to fit transport means.

Innovation Solution

A casing design where flanges are detachable during transport, with inserts that can be connected post-transport to exceed the mantel size, allowing the mantel to be maximized while adhering to size constraints, and a method for assembling and disassembling these components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If flanges are made protruding to connect with other parts, then connection functionality is improved, but the overall size of the casing exceeds the allowed maximum transport dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoidcasing size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is divided into two separate parts: a fixed part that remains attached to the mantel during transport, and an insert that can be detached and reattached later. This segmentation allows the casing to meet transport size requirements while maintaining the ability to achieve full connection functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flange configuration is made dynamic by allowing the insert to be detached during transport and reattached for operation. This transforms the flange from a static permanent protrusion to a dynamic component that adapts its presence based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between transport constraints and connection needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the mantel size is increased to accommodate larger generators, then generator capacity is improved, but the casing cannot fit standard transport means due to flange protrusions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenerator capacityVSAvoidtransport compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the flange into a fixed part and a removable insert, the invention enables larger mantel sizes to be used for higher capacity generators while ensuring transport compatibility. The insert can be removed to reduce the overall dimension during transport, allowing larger generators to adapt to standard transport constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The effective dimension of the casing is changed by removing the insert during transport, temporarily altering the physical parameter (size) to meet transport requirements. After transport, the parameter is restored by reattaching the insert, enabling the casing to accommodate larger generator capacities while maintaining transport versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2709243B1Casing of an electric generator and method for transporting a casing of an electric generator
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP2709243B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2709243B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP2709243B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The casing (1) has a mantel (2) and at least a flange (3). The mantel (2) has a mantel size (m) over a given direction (d). The flange (3) protrudes from the mantel (2) and exceeds the mantel size (m) in the given direction (d). The flange (3) has a fixed part (12) connected to the mantel (2) that does not exceed the mantel size (m) in the given direction (d), the fixed part (12) having at least a seat (14), and inserts (15) connected to the at least a seat (14). The inserts (15) at least partly exceed the mantel size (m) in the given direction (d).