Turbomachine Module Assembly Guide System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turbomachine assembly methods, whether horizontal or vertical, pose safety risks and challenges in repeatability due to suspended modules and exposure to gravity, leading to potential damage and operator safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A system for assembling turbomachines where at least one module moves along a guide, such as a track with parallel rails, while another module is supported by a base, allowing for precise coupling without suspended items, enhancing safety and repeatability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If modules are assembled horizontally with suspended modules, then alignment between modules can be performed, but operator safety is compromised and precise coupling becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of suspending modules horizontally as in conventional methods, the invention inverts the approach by supporting modules vertically on the ground. The first module is supported by a base on the ground, and the second module is brought down to couple with it, reversing the conventional suspended assembly approach and eliminating safety hazards associated with suspended loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a guide (track with parallel rails) as an intermediary element that enables precise horizontal movement and positioning of modules during assembly. This guide system allows controlled coupling between modules while maintaining ground-based support, solving both the alignment precision and safety requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If modules are assembled vertically with suspended modules, then gravity can be utilized, but module damage and operator safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegravity utilizationVSAvoidmodule damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the conventional vertical suspended assembly by keeping modules on the ground throughout the process. Modules are positioned and coupled horizontally on the ground plane, eliminating the harmful effects of gravity-induced collisions and frictions that occur when suspended modules are lowered onto each other

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates an equipotential working plane on the ground where all modules are supported at the same gravitational level. This eliminates gravitational potential differences between modules during coupling, preventing damage from uncontrolled gravitational forces while maintaining assembly efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Ease of operation

If suspended assembly methods are used, then module positioning can be achieved, but repeatability of assembly operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule positioningVSAvoidassembly repeatability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a universal guide system (track with parallel rails) that provides standardized, repeatable positioning for all modules during assembly. This guide structure enables consistent alignment and coupling operations across multiple assembly cycles, significantly improving repeatability while maintaining ease of module positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the conventional suspended mechanical positioning system with a ground-based guide system that uses parallel rails and controlled horizontal movement. This substitution provides more stable and repeatable positioning by eliminating the variability inherent in suspended module positioning, allowing precise coupling to be repeated consistently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250172073A1System for assembling a turbomachine

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 NUOVO PIGNONE TECH SRL

AI summary

A system for assembling a turbomachine allowing assembly of at least two turbomachine modules placed on different supports: a first slide configured to support a first turbomachine module and base configured to support a second turbomachine module. The system further comprises a guide, in particular a track comprising two rails. The first slide is configured to perform movements along a longitudinal and typically horizontal direction defined by the guide. The first slide is further configured to enable adjustments of a position of the first turbomachine module by translating the first turbomachine module along a transversal direction and/or a vertical direction and/or the longitudinal direction. The mechanical coupling of the first module and the second module for assembling the turbomachine derives at least from a movement of the first module on the guide along the first direction toward the second module.