Flexible Lance Positioner Frame for Precise Tube Sheet Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lance positioner frames are heavy, cumbersome, and require substantial space, limiting their feasibility and ease of use in heat exchanger applications.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, flexible lance positioner frame apparatus with an upper and lower guide rail system, supported by a positioner support rail, and an air motor drive assembly with a spur gear mechanism, allowing precise positioning and minimal space usage, featuring a rotational sensor for accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid frame structures are used for lance positioning, then structural stability is ensured, but the apparatus becomes heavy and requires substantial space
Solution Approach 1:
The frame apparatus is divided into multiple modular components including vertical support members, horizontal support members, and guide rails that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be lightweight while the assembled structure provides the necessary stability for lance positioning.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid frame structures are used for lance positioning, then structural stability is ensured, but the apparatus becomes cumbersome and difficult to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is constructed from discrete modular components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The vertical and horizontal support members connect to form a stable structure that is simple to erect and utilize, addressing the ease of operation requirement while maintaining structural stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional rigid frame structures are used for lance positioning, then positioning accuracy is achieved, but the apparatus occupies substantial space
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus utilizes a vertical arrangement of support members and guide rails that extends in the vertical dimension rather than requiring extensive horizontal space. This dimensional reorganization allows precise lance positioning while minimizing the footprint occupied by the apparatus.
4Ease of manufacture
If lightweight frame structures are used for lance positioning, then ease of erection is improved, but structural rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame uses multiple lightweight vertical and horizontal support members that are assembled into a rigid structure. The modular design with interconnected members provides both ease of erection and the necessary structural rigidity to maintain positioning accuracy during operation.
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 efficient, space-saving, and precise positioning of cleaning lances relative to heat exchanger tube sheets, enhancing operational convenience and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an air motor drive assembly is fastened to each of the positioner support rail carriage and the lance drive support carriage. This air motor drive assembly includes an air motor having a shaft driving a spur gear through a worm gear reducer
Implementation Method 2
an air motor having a shaft driving a spur gear through a worm gear reducer
Data Source
AI summary
A frame apparatus for holding a flexible lance positioning drive device adjacent to and spaced from a heat exchanger tube sheet includes an upper guide rail carrying a movable carriage supporting a drive positioner rail having a drive support carriage and an air motor drive assembly fastened to each of the carriages, each air motor drive assembly comprising an air motor having a shaft driving a spur gear through a worm gear reducer, wherein the spur gear is carried within a spur gear housing fastened to the worm gear reducer, and the air motor assembly is fastened to the carriage via the spur gear housing. The spur gear housing is selectively rotatable on the carriage between a locked position with the spur gear engaging the rail to which the carriage is mounted and an unlocked position with the spur gear disengaged with the rail to which the carriage is mounted.