Remote Gap Measurement Device for Turbine Rotor Stator Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of measuring the gap between a stator and a rotor in a turbine is time-consuming and requires repeated removal of the stator for precise alignment, often necessitating the use of a crane for accurate deformation measurements under load.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base with an inclined upper surface, a wedge with a matching inclined bottom surface, and a flexible actuator that allows for remote measurement of the gap between the rotor and stator by sliding the wedge relative to the base, enabling precise distance determination without the need for physical manipulation of the stator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lead wire measurement method is used to measure rotor deformation under stator load, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to repeated assembly disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary positioning and measurement preparation by inserting the base and wedge into the gap between rotor and stator before final alignment measurements are taken. The flexible actuator pre-positions the measurement interface, eliminating the need for repeated stator removal and lead wire installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical lead wire measurement system with a flexible actuator-based measurement device that can be operated remotely. This substitution eliminates the need for physical manipulation of the stator and repeated assembly disassembly while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If repeated removal of upper stator half is performed for measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary measurement mechanism that operates through the existing gap between rotor and stator without requiring stator removal. The base and wedge structure serves as a mediator that enables precise measurements while the stator remains in place, significantly reducing measurement process time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical process of stator removal and lead wire measurement with a flexible actuator system that can perform measurements through the gap, eliminating repeated assembly disassembly and reducing measurement time.
3Measurement precision
If crane is used for repeated stator removal, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device is segmented into modular components: a base for positioning, a wedge for gap engagement, and a flexible actuator for operation. This segmentation allows the system to perform complex measurements without requiring heavy crane equipment, simplifying the overall measurement system while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the heavy crane-based mechanical removal system with a lightweight flexible actuator system that can perform measurements without stator removal, significantly reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for crane equipment.
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 and precise measurement of the gap between the rotor and stator from a remote location, reducing the need for repeated assembly disassembly and crane usage, facilitating quicker and safer alignment processes.
Implementation Method 1
the bottom surface being arranged to slidably engage the upper surface of the base
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring a gap between two objects located remotely from a user includes a base, a slider and a wedge. The slider is slidably received in the base and the wedge is attached to the slider and also slidably received in the base. A push-pull cable has a proximal end connected to the slider. The wedge is inclined at a predetermined angle and slides along an angled surface of the base such that a force applied to a distal end of the cable causes an upper surface of the wedge to move vertically forcing the wedge and the base into respective contact with the two objects forming the gap. By measuring the distance that the push-pull cable slides, the vertical distance traveled by the wedge and thus a measurement of the gap may be determined.