Sealing Membrane Closure With Guided Automatic Welding Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for closing sealing membranes in sealed and thermally insulating tanks, particularly those used for storing liquefied gas at low temperatures, are inefficient and costly due to the manual nature of the welding operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using an automatic welding machine guided by a welding support that attaches to the tank's existing structure, allowing for the automation of the welding process and simplifying the closure of the sealing membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual welding operations are used to close the sealing membrane, then the welding can be performed with simple equipment, but the operation is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual welding operations with an automated welding machine that moves along guide rails. The welding machine is equipped with a welding torch that automatically deposits weld beads to connect the membrane to the tank wall, eliminating the need for manual welding while significantly improving operation speed and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a welding support structure with guide rails as an intermediary system between the manual operator and the welding process. This support structure carries the welding machine and guides its movement along the tank wall, enabling automated welding while maintaining adaptability to the specific geometry of the tank closure area.
2Productivity
If an automatic welding machine is used to close the sealing membrane, then the operation becomes faster and more efficient, but space is required for the welding support and machine
Solution Approach 1:
The welding support structure is designed to nest along the existing tank wall geometry, utilizing the vertical space already available in the closure area. The guide rails are mounted directly on the tank wall, and the welding machine moves along this narrow path, requiring minimal additional space while enabling automated welding operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual welding is performed, then equipment costs are lower, but the welding precision and consistency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automated welding machine replaces manual welding operations with a controlled automated process. The machine delivers consistent weld beads through programmed movement along guide rails, ensuring uniform welding quality and precision that cannot be achieved through manual operations, while the equipment remains relatively simple in design.
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
This approach simplifies the welding operation, reduces costs, and allows for more efficient closure of the sealing membrane, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the tank closure process.
Implementation Method 1
by welding the first wing using a weld bead to a metal part secured to the load-bearing wall
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for closing a sealing membrane (24, 26) comprising the following steps: providing a tank wall comprising a thermally insulating barrier (23, 25) and a sealing membrane (24, 26), the thermally insulating barrier (23, 25) comprising an end portion (232), attaching a metal connection bracket (30) to the insulating end block (232), the metal connection bracket (30) comprising a first flange (31) and a second flange (32), the first flange (31) being welded using a weld bead to a component of the load-bearing wall, the second flange (32) being connected to the sealing membrane (24, 26), wherein the welding step is performed using an automatic welding machine (40) that travels on a welding support (50), the welding support (50) comprising an attachment surface and a support surface (53), the welding machine (40) comprising a welding torch (43), and wherein the attachment surface of the welding support (50) is attached to the end portion (232) during the manufacture of the weld bead.