Compressor Intercoolers Suspended from Cantilevered Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large industrial compressor systems are complex and difficult to move due to their size and weight, requiring on-site assembly and increasing manufacturing and assembly costs, with existing systems having shortcomings in applications.
Innovation Solution
A compressor system design where intercoolers are suspended from a base support using hanging brackets, allowing for free thermal expansion and enabling the intercoolers to be lifted with the base structure without deformation, eliminating the need for a large base structure and facilitating modular design, standardization, and reduced assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a large base structure is used to support compressor components, then structural stability is improved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor system is divided into modular components (compressor, intercoolers, base structure) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The intercoolers are further segmented by providing separate hanging brackets for each unit, allowing independent installation and removal without affecting other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a traditional horizontal base-mounted configuration to a vertical hanging configuration. Intercoolers are suspended from the base structure via hanging brackets, utilizing vertical space and changing the dimensional arrangement of components to reduce overall footprint and simplify the base structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If intercoolers are rigidly mounted to the base structure, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion causes stress and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hanging brackets are designed with adjustable parameters including length and orientation that can be modified to accommodate thermal expansion. This allows the intercoolers to maintain a stable suspended position while permitting necessary dimensional changes due to temperature variations, preventing stress concentration and potential damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If components are assembled on-site, then system adaptability is improved, but assembly time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Intercoolers are pre-assembled with hanging brackets attached during manufacturing, rather than requiring on-site assembly. This preliminary action reduces on-site assembly time and labor requirements while maintaining the ability to adapt the system to different configurations through the adjustable bracket design.
4Ease of manufacture
If a modular design with hanging brackets is used, then ease of assembly and transportation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hanging brackets incorporate adjustable parameters such as length and orientation that can be modified to compensate for variations in manufacturing tolerances. This adjustability maintains ease of assembly while reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements compared to rigid fixed-position attachments.
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
This design simplifies the assembly and transportation of compressor systems, reduces costs, improves component quality, and enhances durability by isolating thermal stress and deflection, while allowing for scalable and cost-effective modular design across various compressor sizes.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for free thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor system is disclosed that includes a base structure having a first portion engageable with a support surface and a second portion cantilevered from the first portion. A compressor can be positioned on the first portion of the base structure and an intercooler in fluid communication with the compressor is supported by the second cantilevered portion. At least one attachment mount with a hook member connected to the intercooler is slidingly engageable with the second portion of the base structure.