Interlocking Equipment Base Segments for Stable Moisture Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment supports in industrial settings, such as well sites and refineries, are prone to instability due to inclement weather and require time-consuming and costly planning and construction, necessitating a more durable and efficient solution.
Innovation Solution
An encapsulated equipment base composed of foam substrates with an elastomeric coating, allowing for flexible and moisture-permeable support that can withstand varying weather conditions and accommodate different equipment sizes, with segments that interlock to form a stable and adaptable foundation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gravel or dirt pads are built for each type of equipment, then the equipment can be supported on site, but the pads become unstable in inclement weather and require time-consuming construction
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment base is divided into multiple segments that can be individually manufactured and then assembled on-site. Each segment contains recesses that receive protrusions from adjacent segments, creating an interlocking assembly that forms a stable, weather-resistant base without requiring time-consuming construction of traditional gravel or dirt pads.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional gravel or dirt pads are used, then equipment can be installed, but the construction process is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The base segments are pre-manufactured with integrated protrusions and recesses that enable quick interlocking assembly. This preliminary preparation of standardized segments eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site construction planning and execution, allowing rapid deployment of equipment bases.
3Adaptability or versatility
If equipment bases are customized for each equipment type, then proper support is provided, but the manufacturing and installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment base segments are designed as universal, standardized components that can be used to support various types and sizes of equipment. The interlocking segment design provides adaptability through configuration rather than customization, maintaining simplicity while accommodating different equipment requirements.
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 provides a stable, cost-effective, and time-efficient means of supporting industrial equipment, resisting corrosion and thermal expansion while offering vibration dampening and thermal insulation, enhancing equipment stability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
resisting corrosion
Implementation Method 2
offering vibration dampening
Implementation Method 3
thermal insulation
Data Source
AI summary
Improved equipment bases and methods for making and using same are disclosed herein. The equipment base can include a first coated substrate including a first part having a first thickness sized to provide the load-bearing support for the equipment, a first elastomer coating the first part, a second coated substrate positioned adjacent to the first coated substrate, the second coated substrate including a second part having a second thickness sized to provide the load-bearing support for the equipment, and a second elastomer coating the second part. A first seam can be formed between the first and second coated substrates to allow for moisture to pass between the first and second coated substrates so that moisture is allowed to seep away from the bottom of the equipment.