Rotary Machine Handling Frame for Coaxial Rotor-Stator Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The disassembly and assembly of large and heavy rotary machines, such as electrical motors and generators, pose challenges due to their size and weight, requiring mechanical assistance and precise alignment to avoid damage during maintenance, which is complicated by limited space and the need for cranes and rigging.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a frame with parallel tracks and a carriage that supports the stator, allowing for precise alignment and movement of the rotor using a chain and sling system, facilitated by hydraulic actuators to ensure coaxial alignment and safe handling during assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cranes and rigging are used to move heavy rotor and stator components, then the machine components can be transported and assembled, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and requires large space
Solution Approach 1:
The handling system is segmented into modular components: a frame with parallel tracks, independent carriages for each component, and separate alignment mechanisms. This allows the heavy rotor and stator to be handled independently through the stator carrier and rotor carrier respectively, eliminating the need for complex crane rigging setups while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary devices between the heavy components and the ground surface: a frame structure with tracks serves as an intermediary platform, and carriages with rollers act as intermediary elements that facilitate movement. This intermediary system eliminates the need for cranes and rigging while enabling easy handling of heavy components.
2Reliability
If precise alignment is maintained to prevent damage during assembly, then component safety is improved, but the alignment process becomes difficult when dealing with heavy components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates equipotential conditions by placing both the stator carrier and rotor carrier on the same horizontal surface with parallel tracks. This ensures that both heavy components rest on a common reference plane, making it easier to maintain coaxial alignment without the difficulty of suspending and balancing heavy components in mid-air as would be required with crane rigging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system (cranes and rigging) with a guided track system. The parallel tracks physically guide the carriages into coaxial alignment, and the applied force mechanism automatically maintains alignment during the assembly process, eliminating the difficulty of manual alignment that would be required with traditional mechanical lifting systems.
3Productivity
If the spacing between rotor and stator is kept small to increase machine efficiency, then machine performance is improved, but the risk of collision damage increases during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aligning both the stator carrier and rotor carrier on parallel tracks before the actual assembly operation. The alignment is established in advance, and the controlled force application ensures that the rotor is pushed into the stator along the predetermined coaxial path, preventing collision damage while achieving the required small spacing for high efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces uncontrolled manual or crane-based assembly with a controlled mechanical system featuring parallel tracks and force application mechanisms. This system substitutes risky manual alignment with guided mechanical movement, ensuring that the rotor and stator are brought together along precise coaxial paths, thereby preventing collision damage while achieving the small spacing required for high machine efficiency.
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 handling of rotary machine components, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying maintenance by allowing for controlled movement and alignment, even in constrained spaces, thereby improving the assembly and disassembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
facilitated by hydraulic actuators to ensure coaxial alignment and safe handling during assembly and disassembly
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for handling a rotor and a stator of a rotary machine employs a frame and a carriage. The carriage rides on and is guided by a parallel pair of tracks that extend away from the frame. The frame and tracks both rest on a horizontal surface. The stator can be placed on the carriage and the frame can be used to provide support to the rotor. A force may be applied between the rotor and stator in a direction to move the carriage relative to the frame.