Screwless FRP Cooling Tower Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling towers with metal exterior panels require bolts or screws for fastening, which can lead to leaks and necessitate waterproofing, posing challenges in maintaining structural integrity and preventing fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
The use of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) double-wall panels with blind fasteners that extend only through the corner members and one outer wall, eliminating the need for conventional bolts or screws and ensuring a leakproof connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional metal exterior panels with bolts or screws are used for fastening, then structural assembly is achieved, but leaks and waterproofing requirements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes conventional fasteners (bolts or screws) that penetrate through panels and create leak paths. Instead, corner members are inserted into recesses formed by the panels, eliminating the need for penetrating fasteners and thus preventing leaks through the panel assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner member acts as an intermediary element that connects panels without requiring penetrating fasteners. The corner member fits into recesses formed by adjacent panels, providing structural connection while maintaining the integrity of the panel surfaces and preventing fluid penetration.
2Reliability
If corner members with recesses are used instead of conventional fasteners, then leakproof connection is achieved, but structural integrity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The corner member is nested within the recesses formed by adjacent panels, creating a interlocking assembly. The corner member fits into the recesses like a puzzle piece, providing structural connection while maintaining the integrity of the panel surfaces and preventing fluid penetration.
3Productivity
If factory-assembled units are used, then construction time is reduced, but transportation and assembly logistics become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling tower is divided into modular cells, each being a self-contained factory-assembled unit. Each cell includes exterior panels, corner members, fill media, and fluid distribution systems, allowing for standardized manufacturing and efficient on-site assembly while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A factory-assembled or packaged cooling tower/cell having screwless (and boltless) exterior side panels is provided. The exterior panels are double-walled and are fastened to an outer support member, such as a corner end cap. Only fasteners extending through the outer support member and through only one of the walls of the panels are utilized. This eliminates the possibility of leaking fluid emanating from use of the fasteners.