Trunnion Pin Sleeve Removal and Tainter Gate Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of trunnion pin sleeves from corroded trunnion pins in tainter gate assemblies is challenging due to corrosion and the need for methods that avoid damaging the trunnion boxes and anchor plates, and supporting tainter gates during maintenance is complicated by unstable water conditions and equipment installation difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving constriction of the trunnion pin sleeve through welding or cooling, followed by axial force application to remove the sleeve, and a support assembly using pedestal structures and hydraulic jacks to stabilize the tainter gate during maintenance, allowing for controlled core drilling and pin replacement without damaging the trunnion boxes or anchor plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If extreme temperature changes are applied to remove corroded trunnion pins, then the pins can be removed from the trunnion boxes, but the thermodynamic properties of the pin or anchor plate material are affected which could potentially damage the anchor plate material
Solution Approach 1:
The trunnion pin is divided into two parts: a core portion that is drilled out and removed, and an outer sleeve portion that remains in the trunnion box. This segmentation allows the pin to be removed in stages, avoiding the need for extreme temperature changes that could damage the anchor plate material.
Solution Approach 2:
The core portion of the trunnion pin is extracted through core drilling, leaving the outer sleeve in place. This extraction method removes the majority of the pin material without requiring excessive jacking force or temperature changes, thereby protecting the anchor plate material from damage.
2Ease of operation
If excessive jacking force is used to remove corroded trunnion pins, then the pins can be removed from the trunnion boxes, but damage occurs to the anchor plates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pin into a removable core and a retained sleeve, the removal process requires minimal jacking force. The core drilling creates internal void space that eliminates the need for high force extraction, thereby preventing damage to the anchor plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical extraction process is replaced with core drilling, which removes the pin core through rotational cutting rather than axial pulling. This substitution eliminates the need for excessive jacking force that would otherwise be required to pull out heavily corroded pins.
3Device complexity
If the tainter gate is not supported during trunnion pin removal, then the maintenance process is simpler, but the gate becomes unstable due to corroded pins and water conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The tainter gate is supported by the pin sleeve removal system before the actual pin removal and replacement operations begin. This preliminary support ensures gate stability throughout the maintenance process, preventing unexpected movements that could occur due to corroded pins or unstable water conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin sleeve removal system acts as an intermediary support structure between the tainter gate and the surrounding environment. This intermediate system provides stable support during maintenance operations, isolating the gate from the effects of corroded pins and unstable water conditions.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If core drilling is performed on the trunnion pin, then the pin can be removed without extreme temperature changes or excessive force, but the pin sleeve remains in the trunnion box requiring additional removal steps
Solution Approach 1:
The pin sleeve, which initially appears to be a complicating factor requiring additional removal steps, is actually beneficial as it provides continuous support to the tainter gate during the entire maintenance process. The sleeve remains in place while the core is removed, and then serves as a stable component for installing the new pin core, thereby converting what seems like a harm into a benefit.
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
Facilitates the removal of trunnion pin sleeves without damaging the trunnion boxes or anchor plates and provides stable support for tainter gates during maintenance, reducing costs and ensuring precise control over the drilling process.
Implementation Method 1
causing either a constriction of at least one part of the trunnion pin sleeve... by way of one or both of a welding operation and an introduction of a cooling material
Implementation Method 2
causing either a constriction of at least one part of the trunnion pin sleeve... by way of one or both of a welding operation and an introduction of a cooling material
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for use in the removal of trunnion pin sleeves and the supporting of lock and/or dam gate structures (e.g., tainter or roller gates) are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, a method of trunnion pin sleeve removal includes causing either a constriction of at least one part of the sleeve or an application of a torque with respect to the at least one part of the sleeve, and subsequently applying a force to the at least one part of the sleeve so as to pull out the sleeve. Also, in another example embodiment, a system for supporting a lock and/or dam gate assembly includes a support assembly having a at least one pedestal assembly. The support assembly further includes a trunnion arm support structure, configured to be supported at least in part by the at least one pedestal assembly and to at least partially support a trunnion arm.