Rotating Jig Fabrication of Pressure Vessel Support Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional manufacturing process for large support frames of pressure vessels, such as those used in submarines, relies heavily on manual handling, welding, and machining, leading to variability in quality and style due to human skill inconsistencies, which results in time-consuming rework and inconsistent properties.
Innovation Solution
A fabrication system comprising a jig assembly and clamping system that supports and positions sub-elements relative to one another, allowing for automated operations at dedicated workstations to join and shape the support frame, reducing manual interaction and ensuring consistent quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling, welding and machining are used for sub-elements, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but manufacturing precision and consistency deteriorate due to human skill variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated robotic systems. Robots perform welding, machining, and handling tasks with consistent precision, eliminating human skill variability while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a robotic system as an intermediary between the operator and the sub-elements. The robot acts as a mediator that executes precise operations based on programmed instructions, ensuring consistent quality while the operator maintains overall process control.
2Productivity
If multiple operators work on large sub-elements, then productivity is maintained through continuous work, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to variability in style and quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple human operators with a single robotic system that can continuously perform operations without variation. The robot maintains consistent quality across all sub-elements while operating continuously, eliminating the quality variability introduced by human operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system enables continuous operation without the need for operator shifts or breaks. The robot can perform welding, machining, and handling tasks in an uninterrupted sequence, maintaining both productivity and quality consistency through automated continuous action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual welding and machining are performed, then adaptability to different sub-element configurations is maintained, but manufacturing precision and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operations with programmable robotic systems that can be reconfigured through software to handle different sub-element configurations. This maintains adaptability while ensuring repeatable precision through consistent automated execution of programmed tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system allows for changes in operational parameters through programming rather than physical reconfiguration. By modifying software parameters, the system can adapt to different sub-element configurations while maintaining repeatable precision through consistent automated control.
4Manufacturing precision
If automated workstations are used for joining and shaping sub-elements, then manufacturing precision and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs multiple functions including welding, machining, and handling through a single integrated platform. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, managing device complexity while maintaining high manufacturing precision across different operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple manufacturing operations (welding, machining, handling) into a single automated robotic system. By merging these functions into one integrated platform, the system achieves high precision while managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of separate devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a fabrication system (100) for the manufacture of a support frame (10) for a pressure vessel. The support frame (10) is fabricated from a plurality of sub-elements (204). The fabrication system (100) comprises a jig assembly (300), a clamping system mounted on the jig assembly (300) and the jig assembly (300) being rotatably mounted about a rotation axis (302), and extending out radially from the rotation axis (302) to an outer edge. A plurality of workstations (600, 602, 604) are arranged around the outer edge of the jig assembly (300), located and configured to perform operations on the sub-elements (204). The plurality of workstations (600, 602, 604) are mounted in a fixed position, the jig assembly (300) being rotatable about the rotation axis (302) relative to the workstations (600, 602, 604).