Generator Retaining Ring Alignment via Hydraulic Adjustment Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for aligning and installing retaining rings on generator rotors are inadequate, often relying on human visual inspection or facility modifications, and fail to ensure consistent alignment within the limited time frame before the retaining ring cools and loses its shrink-fit, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A retaining ring configuration system featuring hydraulic-based adjustment and measurement apparatuses with a control system that allows for synchronous and independent movement of the ring relative to the rotor, utilizing the rotor body as a datum for alignment, and including load monitoring and visual feedback to facilitate precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional alignment methods (human visual inspection or floor plates) are used, then facility modification or manual operation is required, but alignment precision and repeatability are insufficient within the limited time frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable support apparatuses as intermediary devices between the rotor and the retaining ring installation process. These support apparatuses include adjustable support members that can be positioned and adjusted to provide precise alignment references without requiring permanent facility modifications. The support apparatuses act as temporary, reusable intermediaries that enable precise alignment while maintaining facility flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatuses incorporate adjustable and movable components that allow dynamic adaptation during the alignment process. The adjustable support members can be positioned at different locations and adjusted to different heights or angles to accommodate variations in rotor geometry and alignment requirements, enabling precise alignment without fixed infrastructure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the retaining ring is heated for shrink-fit installation, then the ring can be installed over the rotor, but the installation time window is limited to 10-15 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatuses are configured to establish precise alignment references before the retaining ring is heated and before the limited installation time window begins. By pre-positioning the adjustable support members and establishing alignment datums in advance, the system eliminates time-consuming alignment adjustments during the critical 10-15 minute installation window, allowing the ring to be quickly positioned and secured once heated.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustment apparatuses are used for precise alignment, then alignment quality improves, but operator complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable support apparatuses are designed as universal, modular units that can be replicated and positioned at multiple locations around the rotor. Each support apparatus performs the same function of providing alignment references, but they work together as a coordinated system. This universality allows multiple apparatuses to be controlled using consistent procedures and reduces the cognitive load on operators compared to dealing with different types of alignment devices.
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
Enables precise and repeatable alignment of retaining rings within a short time frame, reducing the need for costly facility modifications and improving installation efficiency by allowing a single operator to control multiple adjustment apparatuses through a centralized control system.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic member coupled to the base member and operably attached to the adjustment member, the hydraulic member for actuating movement of the adjustment member to adjust the position of the generator retaining ring relative to the generator rotor
Implementation Method 2
the retaining ring is heated in order to 'shrink-fit' the retaining ring over the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining ring configuration system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a set of adjustment apparatuses configured to contact a portion of a generator rotor, each of the set of adjustment apparatuses including: a base member for contacting the portion of the generator rotor; an adjustment member for adjusting a position of the generator retaining ring relative to the generator rotor; and an actuation member coupled to the base member and operably attached to the adjustment member, the actuation member for actuating movement of the adjustment member to adjust the position of the generator retaining ring relative to the generator rotor.