Rotor Securing Jig Axial Positioning and Deformation Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

During transportation and storage, rotors can experience vibration-induced damage due to improper securing, especially when stored vertically, leading to potential deformation of lower end portions under weight, necessitating a solution to secure the rotor's axial position without fixing one end to the container.

Innovation Solution

A rotor securing jig with a first member secured to one end of the rotor, a second member relatively movable in the axial direction, and a third member attached to the container, allowing the second member to abut the third member and be guided by a cylindrical portion and flange configuration, ensuring the rotor's axial position is secured without fixing both ends to the container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If both ends of the rotor are secured to the container, then the rotor's axial position is secured, but the lower end portion deforms due to weight when stored vertically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor position stabilityVSAvoidrotor end portion shape
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor is supported at two different locations: one end is secured to the container while the other end is supported by a separate support member positioned inside the container. This segmentation of support functions prevents both ends from being fixed to the container wall, avoiding deformation while maintaining position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A support member acts as an intermediary element between the rotor and the container. Instead of directly securing both ends of the rotor to the container, the support member provides indirect support at one end, preventing deformation while maintaining axial position stability during vertical storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the rotor is stored vertically to save space, then storage efficiency is improved, but the lower end portion deforms under the rotor's weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoidrotor end portion shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into two functional parts: one end of the rotor is secured to the container for primary support, while the other end is supported by a separate support member. This segmentation allows vertical storage configuration while preventing weight-induced deformation at the lower end.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member provides counter-support against the rotor's weight when stored vertically. By positioning the support member to bear the load at the lower end, it counteracts the gravitational force that would otherwise cause deformation, enabling safe vertical storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Reliability

If both ends of the rotor are secured to the container, then axial position is fixed, but adjustment work is required after transportation to provide a gap

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial position fixationVSAvoidadjustment work time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is designed to be movable relative to the container, allowing it to be adjusted during loading and then fixed in position. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different storage conditions without requiring post-transportation adjustment work to create gaps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is pre-positioned and secured at the appropriate location before transportation begins. This preliminary action ensures that the rotor maintains proper axial positioning and appropriate gaps throughout transport, eliminating the need for adjustment work after transportation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3492404B1Rotor securing jig and rotor storage unit
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTIES COMPRESSOR CORP
  • EP3492404B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3492404B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3492404B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A rotor securing jig secures a rotor (3) extending along an axis inside a container. The rotor securing jig includes a first member (11) that is able to be secured to a first end portion (3a) of the rotor (3), which is an end portion of the rotor (3) on a first side (A) in an axial direction (Da), a second member (12) that is provided relatively movable in the axial direction (Da) with respect to the first member (11), and a third member (13) that is secured to the container, has a first abutting surface (13a) facing a second side (B) in the axial direction (Da), which is an opposite side to the first side (A), and abutting the first member (11), and has a second abutting surface (13b) facing the first side (A) and abutting the second member (12).