Vessel Internal Support Clip for Fast Plate Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for supporting vertically oriented components in vessels, such as deflector plates above downcomers, are inefficient in terms of installation and removal, requiring significant time and effort during maintenance or refurbishing processes.

Innovation Solution

A clip design featuring an arm with one end attached to a panel and the other end opposed, allowing a plate to be slidably secured between the arm and panel, with a base that includes a standard and tabs for secure attachment within the vessel, facilitating easy installation and removal of vertical members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional means are used to support vertically oriented components in vessels, then the components can be supported, but the installation and removal processes require significant time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation and removal timeVSAvoidinstallation and removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into separate modular components: a clip with arm, a panel, and a base with standard. These segments can be independently assembled and disassembled, enabling rapid installation and removal of vertical members without requiring complete dismantling of the support system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arm of the clip is designed to be movable relative to the panel, allowing it to flex and adapt during installation. This dynamic capability enables the arm to engage with vertical members easily and securely hold them in position, facilitating quick installation and removal operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a secure attachment system is used to hold vertical members firmly, then the members are securely positioned, but the installation and removal processes become more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure positioning of membersVSAvoidattachment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clip, panel, and base are combined into an integrated attachment system where the clip attaches to the panel and the base provides stable support. This merging of components creates a reliable secure positioning system while maintaining relative simplicity through the coordinated design of unified elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The arm of the clip is designed to automatically engage and secure vertical members through its own elastic deformation and geometric configuration, without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex assembly steps. The system secures members through its inherent structural properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3759362B1Clip for supporting vessel internals
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 UOP LLC
  • EP3759362B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3759362B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3759362B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An assembly for supporting a member in a vessel comprises a clip comprising an arm with a first end attached to a panel and a second end opposed to the panel. The panel is secured in the vessel. The assembly also comprises a plate slidably disposed between the second end of the arm and the panel. The subject matter also pertains to the clip itself and the method of use.