Modern Tower Foundation Assembly
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Date
2018-12-05
Authors
Weng, Chenwei
Dequier, Jean-Marc
Reimer, Michael
Roy, Liam
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Abstract
The goal of this project was to design a welding fixture for MML’s modern tower foundation. This design report outlines the final design and the design process used. The process for selecting a design concept followed a systematic approach of creating a shortlist of feasible concepts, developing selection criteria based on client needs and constraints, and using a weighted selection criteria matrix to determine the final design. Upon approval of the selected concept, the A-Frame Rotisserie design, the next phase of the project was to further develop the selected design to include additional features based on the client needs. The A-frame rotisserie design was combined with the top assembly fixture design to facilitate assembling the top plate of the assembly with precision. In addition, casters were added to the base of the design to satisfy the clients request for a mobile design. The final fixture design is separated into three sections that are connected together. The three sections include a fixture to build the top sub assembly, a mounting frame to hold the top assembly, and a mounting frame to hold the base. The top assembly fixture was developed in order to accurately and reliably assemble the sub assembly. The final design of the fixture requires the use of a laser-cutter to manufacture the base plate, as well as locate all the fixture parts using locating cut outs. The top mounting frame includes a mounting table for the top sub assembly fixture, as well as a rotating mount for the completed sub assembly. The rotating mount includes two locating cylinders and two cam clamp cut outs to simplify the locating of parts throughout the manufacturing process, similarly to the top assembly fixture. The frame also includes a locking pin connection to stop rotation during assembly and welding of the structure which is located between the bearing and rotating plate. The base mounting frame includes a rotating mounting bracket, similar to the top mounting frame, to house the base of the tower foundation. The base mount also includes a turning wheel on the adjacent end of the mount, as well as...