Lifting Machine Tube Bundle Ends Deformation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lifting machines for tube bundles of heat exchangers are inadequate in supporting the end portions, which tend to bend due to weight, leading to potential damage during handling and movement.
Innovation Solution
A lifting machine with a supporting frame and caliper-type gripping means that includes inextensible cables with hooks and telescopic beams, allowing for adjustable length and independent actuation to support the tube bundle ends, preventing bending and deformation, and enabling efficient handling and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lifting machines embrace tube bundles only in the central portion at the diaphragms, then the gripping mechanism is simple, but the end portions of the tube bundle bend downwards due to weight, risking damage to the whole bundle
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping mechanism is divided into two independent parts: central caliper-type gripping means for embracing the tube bundle at the diaphragms, and end gripping means with cables and hooks for supporting the weighted end portions. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary supporting structure (beams with cables and hooks) that acts as a mediator between the lifting machine and the tube bundle ends. This intermediary element transfers the weight of the end portions to the supporting frame, preventing bending while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the supporting frame is designed to accommodate various tube bundle sizes, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting frame incorporates movable and adjustable elements, including telescopic beams that can extend or retract, and caliper-type gripping means that can open and close to accommodate different tube bundle diameters. This dynamic design allows the same frame to adapt to various sizes without requiring multiple specialized frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting frame is designed as a universal structure that can handle tube bundles of different sizes and configurations. The same frame with adjustable beams and gripping mechanisms can accommodate both small and large tube bundles, making it a multi-functional device that eliminates the need for multiple specialized lifting machines.
3Reliability
If inextensible cables with hooks are used for end gripping, then the support for tube bundle ends is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end gripping function is extracted as a separate, independent subsystem from the central gripping mechanism. The cables and hooks are taken out as distinct elements that can be independently adjusted and operated, allowing them to be optimized for their specific function of supporting tube bundle ends without complicating the central caliper-type gripping mechanism.
4Volume of moving object
If telescopic beams are used in the supporting frame, then the compactness for transport is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic beams are designed with a nested structure where smaller beam sections are inserted within larger sections, similar to nested dolls. This allows the beams to be collapsed into a compact form for transport and storage, while extending to full length when needed for operation. The nesting principle efficiently reduces volume without requiring complex external storage structures.
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 machine effectively supports the tube bundle ends, preventing deformation and ensuring balanced lifting, even with varying weights and configurations, while being compact and efficient for handling and transport.
Implementation Method 1
motor means adapted to feed a utility hydraulic circuit; a hydraulic control unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to the heavy mechanical industry. More in detail, the invention relates to a lifting machine (1 ) for tube bundles for heat exchangers, where each tube bundle (2) comprises a plurality of parallel tubes whose ends are blocked by at least one tube plate (21) and a plurality of diaphragms (22) parallel to one another. Said lifting machine (1) comprises: - a supporting frame (5) with two ends (51, 52) and a central body (53) having a main direction of development (x) parallel to the tubes of said tube bundle (2); - first caliper type gripping means (3) for said tube bundle (2), associated with the central body (53) of said supporting frame (5), adapted to embrace said plurality of tubes in the area of said diaphragms (21); - second filiform type gripping means (4) for said tube bundle (2), associated with the two ends (51, 52) of said supporting frame (T), adapted to act on said tube bundle (2) near the ends thereof; - motor means (M) adapted to feed a utility hydraulic circuit; - a hydraulic control unit (C).