Modular Turbine Support Platform for Precise Installation Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of large turbine assemblies is challenging due to misalignment issues when lifting the turbine onto adjustable brackets, which can result in damage to the turbine, brackets, and frame, leading to delays in the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A modular support member system comprising a platform with modular components, a linear actuator, and a column, which allows for precise positioning and alignment of the turbine assembly during installation, reducing the risk of misalignment and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a crane operator visually aligns the turbine assembly with the brackets when lowering the turbine assembly onto the brackets, then the turbine assembly can be installed on the frame, but misalignment occurs resulting in damage to the turbine assembly, brackets, and frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment system consisting of alignment marks on the frame and turbine assembly, combined with a positioning device that provides visual guidance to the crane operator. This intermediary system mediates between the crude visual alignment and the precise final positioning, enabling accurate alignment without direct reliance on the operator's visual judgment alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing alignment marks on the frame and turbine assembly before the lifting operation. These marks provide pre-established visual references that guide the crane operator in achieving proper alignment, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations or adjustments during the critical lowering phase.
2Reliability
If greater degrees of misalignment occur when lowering the turbine assembly onto the brackets, then damage to the turbine assembly, brackets, and frame increases, but the overall installation schedule is significantly delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment marks are pre-installed on the frame and turbine assembly before the lifting operation begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the turbine assembly is lowered, the crane operator can quickly and accurately align it using the visible marks, preventing misalignment damage and avoiding installation delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the reliance on complex mechanical alignment devices or post-installation adjustment mechanisms with a simple visual alignment system using marks. This substitution simplifies the alignment process, reduces the risk of damage during installation, and maintains the installation schedule without requiring additional mechanical complexity.
3Productivity
If the turbine assembly is lowered onto the brackets with misalignment, then the turbine assembly can still be installed, but damage occurs to the turbine assembly, brackets, and frame
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment marks are pre-established on both the frame and turbine assembly before the lifting operation. This preliminary visual guidance system enables the crane operator to achieve proper alignment during the lowering process, preventing damage to the turbine assembly, brackets, and frame while ensuring successful installation completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment marks serve as an intermediary visual reference system that mediates between the crane operator's control and the physical components. This intermediary provides real-time visual feedback during the lowering operation, guiding the operator to achieve proper alignment and prevent damage without interfering with the installation completion.
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
The modular support member system enables accurate and precise positioning of the turbine assembly, reducing the risk of damage and installation delays, and facilitating a more efficient and cost-effective installation process.
Implementation Method 1
a linear actuator selectively positionable at a selected location from among a plurality of locations on the upper surface of the platform
Implementation Method 2
a column selectively positionable on the linear actuator. The platform, the linear actuator, and the column are sized to support the turbine assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A support member for supporting a turbine assembly during installation includes a platform having a plurality of modular platform components oriented to define an upper surface of the platform. The support member also includes a linear actuator selectively positionable on the upper surface of the platform. The support member further includes a column selectively positionable on the linear actuator. The platform, the linear actuator, and the column are sized to support the turbine assembly.