Segmented Arcuate Spacer for Concentric Cylinder Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for joining concentric cylinders, such as in turbine assembly or piping systems, face challenges in adjusting the combined length without disturbing the alignment, as a unitary spacer cannot be easily inserted or removed without disrupting the alignment.

Innovation Solution

A spacer comprising at least two arcuate segments with spacer passages for coupling bolts and a ring that fits between the end surfaces of concentric cylinders, allowing for adjustable length by machining or replacing segments while maintaining alignment through a shrink-fit ring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a unitary spacer is used to adjust the combined length of concentric cylinders, then the length adjustment is achieved, but the alignment is disturbed during insertion and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombined length of concentric cylindersVSAvoidalignment of concentric cylinders

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer is divided into multiple arcuate segments that can be separated and inserted independently between the concentric cylinders. This segmentation allows the spacer to be installed without disturbing the alignment, as each segment can be placed separately while the cylinders remain in their aligned positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a unitary spacer is used, then length adjustment is possible, but the spacer cannot be easily inserted or removed without disturbing alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable lengthVSAvoidinsertion and removal of spacer

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer is divided into multiple arcuate segments that can be separated and inserted independently between the concentric cylinders. This segmentation allows the spacer to be installed without disturbing the alignment, as each segment can be placed separately while the cylinders remain in their aligned positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer transitions from a static unitary structure to a dynamic segmented structure that can be assembled and disassembled. The segments can be moved independently for installation and removal, providing operational flexibility while maintaining alignment during the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If the spacer width is adjusted by machining or swapping unitary spacers, then the combined length is adjusted, but the alignment must be disturbed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombined lengthVSAvoidassembly efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer is divided into multiple arcuate segments that can be separated and inserted independently between the concentric cylinders. This segmentation allows the spacer to be installed without disturbing the alignment, as each segment can be placed separately while the cylinders remain in their aligned positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented spacer design allows for easy replacement of individual segments or the entire spacer assembly. Segments can be removed and replaced without disturbing the alignment of the concentric cylinders, enabling efficient adjustments and maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS9216495B2Spacer

Publication Date: 2015.12.22 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

A spacer for holding an alignment of two concentric cylinders including at least two arcuate spacer segments, each of the at least two arcuate spacer segments having at least one spacer passage for receiving a part of a coupling bolt, each of the at least two arcuate spacer segments fitting between each of two respective end surfaces of two concentric cylinders, each end surface having a cylindrical seat; and a ring with an outer surface adjoining an inner surface of each of the at least two arcuate spacer segments.