Reversible Bayonet Assembly for Reactor Internal Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bayonet fittings for attaching internals in reactor vessels and distillation columns are irreversible, leading to difficulties in removal and maintenance, and impede thermal expansion/contraction, necessitating a reversibly attachable and detachable solution that does not require welding.

Innovation Solution

A bayonet fitting with a head section, base section, and clamping section, featuring flanges and protuberances, allowing for reversible attachment and detachment using a bayonet assembly with a domed recess and dimples, enabling secure attachment and removal without tools and accommodating thermal changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If irreversible attachment bolts are used to secure internals, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the ease of removal and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate components: a bayonet fitting with a head section, base section, and clamping section, that can be independently attached and detached. This segmentation allows the internal architecture to be securely connected during operation and easily separated for maintenance without damaging the vessel or requiring drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bayonet fitting transitions from a static irreversible connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The fitting can be rotated between a locked position (providing secure attachment) and an unlocked position (enabling easy removal). This dynamic capability allows the same connection mechanism to provide both strong attachment during operation and easy detachment for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If bolts are tightly secured to prevent movement, then the stability of the internal architecture is improved, but the ability to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of internal architectureVSAvoidthermal expansion accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bayonet fitting provides a dynamic connection that allows for controlled movement and adjustment. The rotational locking mechanism secures the internal architecture during normal operation while still permitting thermal expansion and contraction through slight movements and adjustments in the locked position, preventing stress buildup that would occur with rigid fixed connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If welding is used to attach bolts to the vessel, then the connection strength is improved, but the complexity of installation and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the welding process with a mechanical bayonet fitting system. Instead of permanently fusing bolts to the vessel through welding, the mechanical fitting provides equivalent or superior connection strength through rotational locking and clamping action, while eliminating the complexity of welding operations and associated safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If irreversible attachment methods are used, then the security of the connection is improved, but the ease of detachment for modification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidease of detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250257754A1Reversibly attachable bayonet fitting

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 SHELL USA INC

AI summary

The invention relates to a bayonet assembly (20) comprising the bayonet fitting (1) and an attachment support (21), wherein the attachment support (21) comprises a domed bayonet recess (24), a bayonet cut-out (25), and more than one dimple (26); wherein the number of more than one dimple (26) of the bayonet assembly is the same as the number of more than one protuberance (7) of the bayonet assembly; wherein in a first orientation the bayonet fitting (1) and the attachment support (21) are detachable from each other, and in a second orientation the bayonet fitting (1) and the attachment support (21) are lockable to each other; and wherein in the second orientation, each of the more than one dimple (26) reversibly accommodates each of the more than one protuberance (7).