Modular Turntable Sections for Scalable Temporary Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turntables are typically fixed in size and loading capacity, making them expensive and inefficient for temporary projects, as they often become obsolete after a single use, and modifying them for different projects is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A modular turntable design featuring interchangeable concentric rings and sections with adjustable diameters and loading capacities, allowing easy scaling and reconfiguration to meet changing customer needs, with removable sections and adaptable structural strength, wheel-sets, and drive units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a turntable is designed with fixed size and loading capacity for a specific application, then it can meet the specific customer needs, but it becomes obsolete after single use and cannot be reused for different projects
Solution Approach 1:
The turntable is divided into multiple interchangeable concentric rings and modular sections that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each ring can be removed or added to adjust the turntable diameter and loading capacity, allowing the same base structure to serve multiple project requirements without extensive modification work
Solution Approach 2:
The base turntable structure is designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that accommodate different ring configurations. This allows a single base turntable to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attached rings, eliminating the need for separate turntables for different applications
2Strength
If a large turntable is manufactured to accommodate very large loads, then it can handle high loading capacities, but it becomes expensive and difficult to modify for smaller projects
Solution Approach 1:
The loading capacity is segmented across multiple concentric rings with different structural strengths. Heavy-duty rings can be attached when high loading capacity is needed, while lighter rings or fewer rings can be used for smaller projects, allowing flexible adjustment of loading capacity without compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Different rings are designed with locally optimized structural properties - some rings have increased steel support for high-load applications, while others are lighter for low-load applications. The appropriate ring quality is selected and attached based on the specific project requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If modifications are made to an existing turntable to accommodate different projects, then it can be reused, but extensive cutting, drilling, welding, and grinding are required which is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
All necessary modifications are pre-done during the manufacturing phase by creating modular rings with standardized connection interfaces. When adaptation is needed, pre-fabricated rings are simply attached using bolting or other removable mechanisms, eliminating the need for time-consuming field modifications like cutting, drilling, and welding
4Strength
If a turntable is designed as a single integrated structure, then it has high structural strength, but it is difficult and expensive to ship and store when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The turntable structure is segmented into modular rings that can be independently removed and stored. When not in use, only the necessary components are shipped, and unused rings remain in storage for future projects, significantly reducing transportation costs and storage requirements while maintaining structural strength when assembled
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 cost-effective and efficient adaptation to various project requirements, reducing obsolescence and allowing for easy transportation and reassembly of modular parts, thereby optimizing resource utilization and project flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A base includes rolling supports that each rotate about a respective axis of rotation perpendicular to the first rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
A turntable in modular pie or other sections, which sections can be added or taken away in concentric rings from a base version of the turntable in order to scale the size and capacity of that turntable to accommodate a wide range of size and loading needs.