Remotely Adjustable Orifice Plate for Generator Ventilation Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventilation testing in generators is time-consuming and inefficient, requiring the generator to be offline for extended periods as testing personnel manually swap and test multiple orifice plates to find the correct size, often resulting in incomplete adjustments and prolonged downtime.
Innovation Solution
A remotely adjustable orifice plate arrangement with a remotely controllable motor allows for the sliding adjustment of an adjustable orifice plate relative to a fixed orifice plate within the generator, enabling the precise control of fluid flow from outside the generator, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual swapping of standard orifice plates is performed, then ventilation testing can be conducted, but the generator must remain offline for extended periods (10-12 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static manual swapping process into a dynamic automated system where the orifice plate position can be continuously adjusted and remotely controlled. The motorized adjustable orifice plate allows real-time modification of orifice size without requiring generator shutdown, converting a discrete manual process into a continuous automated one.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment of the orifice plate through remote control, eliminating the need for testing personnel to manually enter the generator and swap plates. The automated motor-driven mechanism performs the adjustment function independently, reducing human intervention and minimizing downtime.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple orifice plates are manually installed and tested, then the correct orifice size can be determined, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing system where a single adjustable orifice plate with motorized control can replace multiple fixed orifice plates. This multi-functional device can achieve various orifice sizes through adjustment, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and simplifying the overall testing procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical swapping process with an automated motorized system. The motor-driven adjustment mechanism substitutes for manual installation and removal of multiple plates, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining precision through controlled mechanical adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If testing personnel enter the generator to install orifice plates, then adjustments can be made, but safety risks and operational interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control system as an intermediary between the operator and the orifice plate adjustment mechanism. This intermediary allows adjustments to be made from outside the generator, eliminating the need for personnel to enter the confined space and maintaining operational continuity through external control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the control function from the adjustment mechanism, allowing the operator to control the orifice plate position remotely. This segmentation enables the adjustment capability to be maintained while the generator remains operational and personnel remain outside the generator for safety.
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
This solution significantly reduces the time required for ventilation testing by allowing remote adjustment of orifice sizes, ensuring accurate fluid flow parameters are met quickly, thereby minimizing generator downtime and improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a remotely controllable motor is coupled to the interior wall within a flow area of the generator
Implementation Method 2
an overlap of the plate and the adjustable plate determines the resultant size of the orifice of the interior wall
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely adjustable orifice plate arrangement for a generator is provided. The arrangement includes an enclosed generator with an interior wall including an orifice through which a fluid flows. The arrangement also includes a first plate including an orifice and a remotely controllable motor. The first plate is coupled to the interior wall within a flow area of the generator such that at least a portion of the orifice overlaps the orifice of the interior wall. The arrangement also includes an adjustable orifice plate including an orifice wherein the adjustable orifice plate slides relative to the first plate to determine the size of a resultant orifice of the interior wall. The motor selectively controls the slideable movement of the adjustable orifice plate relative to the first plate and is controlled remotely from outside the enclosed generator. A method to remotely adjust fluid flow within an enclosed generator is also provided.