U-Bracket Gib Key Coupling for Tension Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for machine assemblies, such as gas turbine assemblies, are cumbersome and labor-intensive due to their large size and weight, requiring significant material strength to handle both compression and tension forces during shipping and installation, and are difficult to remove post-installation.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system that includes a u-bracket and tenon pin configuration, where the u-bracket cooperates with a gib key to define a tenon pin opening, allowing the tenon pin to be oriented in tension, reducing the need for excessive material strength and facilitating easier handling and removal by minimizing exposure to compressive forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin is sized to accommodate both compression and tension loading forces during shipping and installation, then the coupling system can handle all loading directions, but the pin must be sized for the larger compression force which increases the size and weight of the coupling system
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into multiple functional components: a base, a machine assembly, and a pin connecting them. The pin is further segmented into a head portion and a shaft portion with different cross-sectional areas, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function - the head for tension and the shaft for compression, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the pin have different local qualities - the head portion has a larger cross-sectional area optimized for tension forces, while the shaft portion has a smaller cross-sectional area optimized for compression forces. This local differentiation allows the coupling system to handle both loading directions without requiring the entire pin to be oversized for compression, reducing overall weight
2Strength
If traditional base-machine assembly coupling systems are designed with significant weight and bulk to accommodate loading forces, then the coupling system can withstand shipping and installation forces, but it becomes difficult and labor-intensive to remove the coupling system post-installation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system transitions from a static, permanently rigid connection to a dynamic, reversible connection. The pin is designed to be removable and replaceable, allowing the coupling system to be easily installed and removed as needed. This dynamic design maintains strength during operation while enabling easy removal post-installation
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is designed as separable segments (base, pin, machine assembly) that can be easily disconnected. The pin serves as a temporary connector that can be removed without damaging the base or machine assembly, making the system easy to operate and remove after installation
3Force
If the pin is oriented to handle compression forces, then the coupling system can support the weight of the machine assembly, but the pin becomes more susceptible to buckling and requires excessive material strength
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of orienting the pin vertically to directly support compression forces from the machine assembly weight, the invention inverts the approach by using the pin primarily for tension forces while using separate support structures (base and machine assembly feet) to handle compression. This inversion eliminates buckling risks and reduces the pin's strength requirements
4Reliability
If the coupling system is designed with large size and mass to accommodate loading forces in opposite directions, then the coupling system can handle tension and compression forces, but the coupling system becomes cumbersome and time-consuming to apply and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into modular components that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The pin serves as a simple connecting element that can be rapidly installed and removed without complex procedures, significantly reducing installation and removal time while maintaining coupling reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is designed to be dynamically adjustable and reversible, allowing for quick installation and removal operations. The removable pin design enables the coupling to be applied and removed in a timely manner, reducing loss of time during installation and maintenance operations
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling system for a machine assembly and a base is provided. The machine assembly includes a frame and a gib key extending outwardly from the frame. The coupling system includes at least one u-bracket configured to couple to the gib key such that said at least one u-bracket cooperates with the gib key to define a tenon pin opening. The at least one u-bracket is sized and shaped to be received in a clearance fit in a key channel defined in the base. The coupling system also includes a tenon pin sized and shaped to be received in the tenon pin opening such that the tenon pin couples the base to the gib key, and such that forces exerted on the received tenon pin parallel to a first direction are substantially in tension between the machine assembly and the base.