Siheyuan: Starting from the driver

Chapter 784 Awakening from Centrifugal Force
Engineer Ling's stern gaze shone like a searchlight on Director Sun and Master Chen, and the two felt their backs instantly soaked with cold sweat.

Director Sun's lips trembled as he tried to explain, "Engineer Ling, I... I was just trying to meet the deadline! The factory added a batch of urgent parts that required high precision and were due in a tight timeframe, and all the other equipment was already fully booked."

"This grinding machine... it's been working quite smoothly these past few days, so I was thinking..."

"You're really thinking of taking the risk and trying it out?" Engineer Ling's voice wasn't loud.

"Comrade Li Kailang's report clearly states that although the main fault of this grinding machine has been repaired, there are still problems overall, requiring gentle use and continuous observation!"

"You've completely ignored what I said? 'You'll take responsibility'? Can you even bear the responsibility for the losses?!"

"I...I...sigh!" Director Sun slapped his thigh in regret, his face turning a deep purplish-red.

Old Chen was so frightened that he couldn't speak, and just lowered his head, wishing he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

As the person directly in charge of the operation, he bears significant responsibility for this accident.

The atmosphere in the workshop remained heavy.

Liu was experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. He was initially gloating over the accident, feeling he had finally caught Li Kailang red-handed.

But Li Kailang's question in front of everyone, "Why are you digging into my reasons instead of rushing to repair it?" stung him like a needle, making him realize that he had been too hasty and almost exposed his true intentions.

He suppressed his anxiety and decided to lie low for the time being, waiting for a more suitable opportunity to launch his attack.

He walked up to Ding Pengze, feigning concern: "Xiao Ding, how are you? Is the problem serious? Have you found out the specific cause?"

His eyes, however, glanced in Li Kailang's direction, his expression full of implications.

Ding Pengze was sweating profusely as he dismantled the burnt-out electrical wires.

Liu's approach made him stiffen slightly.

He had rushed to report the situation to Engineer Ling, hoping to show off, but Engineer Ling ignored him and instead asked Li Kailang to check it again.

This made him feel uneasy, and at the same time, he felt a vague sense of unease.

He replied vaguely, "Hmm...it's quite troublesome. A lot of wires have burned out and need to be replaced. We'll have to take a closer look at the specifics...the exact cause."

He didn't dare look Liu in the eye, and quickened his pace.

Li Kailang, on the other hand, appeared unusually focused and calm.

With the help of the "repair panel", he had already figured out the entire failure chain: high sudden high load conditions - transmission system overload jamming - related circuit overload burnout.

This is not directly related to the gear set problem he repaired before; the fire didn't affect him.

The electrical engineers quickly ran over, panting. They were familiar faces: Liu Gong and Cui Yuan.

This is the second time we've met. LiuGong brought Cui Yuan to a workshop that requires a certain level of secrecy, it seems that LiuGong is also beginning to pass on its mantle.

Upon seeing the situation, Liu Gong's expression changed: "Wow! It's badly burned! The entire cable needs to be replaced, and the connectors are melted too!"

Without saying a word, Liu Gong began the inspection, asking Li Kailang about the situation as he did so.

"The core components of the transmission box were not damaged; the accident was mainly caused by the circuit overload protection."

The inside of the transmission box was a mess, with charred wires tangled like black vines, emitting a pungent smell.

Several terminals have melted and deformed.

Fortunately, although the transmission gear set was stressed due to the severe vibration and had slight scratches on the surface, the structure did not break down and the bearings did not show any obvious damage. The core components were unharmed.

This is undoubtedly due to the good foundation laid during Li Kailang's previous repairs, ensuring that the key parts were sufficiently sturdy.

Otherwise, under high load and resistance, gear breakage and shaft bending are highly likely.

"The gear set is in fair condition. The main damage is concentrated on the electrical components and several fixed brackets on the inner wall of the transmission box, which are slightly deformed due to the severe vibration."

Ding Pengze nodded in agreement, but his heart was filled with mixed feelings.

On the one hand, he was relieved that the problem had not deviated from his expectations;
On the other hand, this seems to prove that Li Kailang's previous repairs were not just superficial, and Liu's claim that "only the surface was solved" seems untenable.

"Yes, it matches my initial assessment." Ding Pengze tried to remain calm. "It seems to be a chain reaction caused by circuit overload and burnout, which caused the transmission to jam instantly. Fortunately, it stopped in time."

He tried to emphasize his credit for discovering and dealing with the situation "in the first instance".

Li Kailang did not respond.

Li Kailang's clear and logical analysis convinced Liu Gong to nod in agreement: "Okay, I'll do as you say. Xiao Yuan, go to the warehouse and get the materials! Get them according to the specifications that Technician Li said! Be quick!"

He then turned to Ding Pengze, "Technician Ding, could you please clean up all the burnt wires? Be careful!"

Ding Pengze responded in a muffled voice, but felt even worse inside.

Even experienced electricians listened to him without question, and he felt like a mere apprentice doing the work—it was a terrible feeling.

He couldn't help but recall Liu's words: "You've been working so hard in the technical department for so many years... who has taken you seriously?"

A surge of frustration and resentment welled up in my chest.

The repair work is proceeding intensively.

While Li Kailang was working, he kept an eye on Ding Pengze's condition.

He could sense Ding Pengze's irritability and absent-mindedness.

When Ding Pengze accidentally cut his finger with a screwdriver and gasped in pain, Li Kailang silently handed him a roll of clean gauze.

"Be careful, Mr. Ding. The edge of the cable tray is sharp." Li Kailang's voice was calm, without blame or deliberate concern, just like the most ordinary reminder between colleagues.

Ding Pengze was stunned for a moment. Looking at the gauze handed to him and then at Li Kailang's focused repair, the resentment in his heart inexplicably subsided, replaced by a complex emotion.

He silently took the gauze and wrapped it around his finger. His movements seemed a little more steady than before, as if he had thought of something.

Engineer Liu watched all this with a cold eye, and Ding Pengze's subtle emotional changes made him feel irritated and threatened.

Everything was proceeding smoothly with the repairs when suddenly a voice rang out:
"What happened? The grinding machine was working perfectly fine, how could it suddenly break down?"

When everyone turned around, they saw that it was Director Wang and Factory Director Yang who had arrived together!
Clearly, the accident has alarmed the factory leadership.

Factory Director Yang's face turned ashen. He scanned the entire room, his gaze lingering on the grinding machine for a moment before his imposing manner arose: "Where is Engineer Ling?"

"Director Yang, Director Wang, Engineer Ling has taken Director Sun and Master Chen to the office to find out what's going on." Engineer Liu immediately put on a worried expression.

"This accident was too sudden and the losses are considerable. At first glance, it appears that the transmission box circuit was burned out. Fortunately, Technician Ding reacted quickly and put out the fire in time, which is a stroke of luck amidst misfortune."

Factory Director Yang nodded and looked at Li Kailang and Liu Huazhong, who were busy at work: "Engineer Liu, how long will it take to fix it?"

Liu Gong wiped his sweat: "Replacing all the burnt wires, plus cleaning, inspection, rewiring and debugging, will take at least until tomorrow afternoon."

"Too slow!" Director Wang frowned. "This batch of urgent documents can't afford to be delayed! Can't it be any faster?"

Liu Gong shook his head: "Director Wang, safety comes first. The circuit is severely burned and must be completely replaced and the hidden dangers must be investigated. Otherwise, forcibly turning on the power will be even more risky."

Since Liugong had already said so, Director Wang and Factory Manager Yang couldn't force them to speed up the process.

"Alright! I'll leave it to you! Make sure the quality is guaranteed and get things back to normal as soon as possible!" Factory Director Yang made the final decision. "Let's go."

The two then went to talk to Engineer Ling, Director Sun, and Engineer Chen.

Given the seriousness of the matter, Engineer Liu dared not mention Ding Pengze's name too much at this time, for fear that Factory Director Yang might misunderstand and think that Ding had ulterior motives that led to the accident.

LiuGong focused intently on the intense emergency repairs.

the other side.

Factory Director Yang also learned the cause of the accident from Director Sun and Engineer Chen.

Director Sun admitted that he had forced Lao Chen to operate the equipment, which violated the rule that the equipment should be used with caution during the recovery period.

This led to a sudden accident when the grinding machine was processing high-precision parts, resulting in circuit overload and burnout.

Chen was filled with remorse and repeatedly emphasized that he had been extremely careful during the operation, but the accident came too suddenly.

The focus naturally shifts to the root cause of the accident.

Engineer Liu was the first to speak out: "Engineer Ling, Director Wang, Factory Manager Yang! I believe the root cause of the accident lies in the incomplete repairs made last time!"

"Li Kailang only solved the surface problems, but lacked an assessment of the overall stability of the equipment under extreme working conditions and subsequent reinforcement!"

"This accident has precisely exposed the fatal flaws in his maintenance plan! It is a manifestation of being immature in his pursuit of quick success and instant benefits! He must bear the main responsibility!"

His words were harsh, and his criticism was directed at Li Kailang.

Ling frowned: "Liu, your conclusion is too hasty! I have reviewed Li Kailang's repair plan, and there are no problems with the replacement and adjustment of the core gear."

"The direct cause of this accident was overloading and violation of regulations! During the equipment recovery period, especially for equipment that has just had critical issues resolved, it should have undergone sufficient running-in and verification. Directly assigning such a high-precision urgent order was itself a huge risk!"

"Is Engineer Ling trying to exonerate his apprentice?" Engineer Liu sneered. "Even if Director Sun bears some responsibility for improper operation, if the equipment itself is robust enough, how could it collapse under such a sudden load?"

"It's clear that the repairs left a hidden danger! Ding Pengze also went to check before the accident this afternoon. Did he also notice anything unusual?"

He tried to drag Ding Pengze into the mess as well.

Ding Pengze, who was called out, sat in the corner and quickly waved his hand: "Engineer Liu, I... I was just doing a routine inspection. The grinding machine had already started, and I didn't have time to check it."

He dared not reveal the words that Liu had used to incite him, but his words directly betrayed Liu.

He wouldn't have dared to betray any other engineer like that.

But Liu Weiguo, the engineer, is the only one who can be betrayed, since he doesn't have the real skills.

"You!" Engineer Liu glared at him angrily.

Director Wang stepped in to smooth things over: "Alright, alright, there's no point in arguing now. I suggest we wait until the grinding machine is fully repaired before conducting a comprehensive inspection and load test on the equipment."

"The key focus of the investigation is to verify whether the parts repaired by Technician Li have suffered new damage or experienced performance changes since the accident."

Factory Director Yang listened silently, his knuckles tapping lightly on the table.

He concluded by saying, "Director Wang's suggestion is feasible. Director Sun made the decision without authorization and forced the operation, which seriously violated the equipment management regulations. He bears direct management responsibility and is suspended from his duties pending investigation and further action!"

"Comrade Chen Dazhu, as the operator, failed to uphold principles and refuse illegal commands, demonstrating a weak sense of safety. He is hereby given a major demerit!"

"The equipment should be repaired as soon as possible. As for Comrade Li Kailang's responsibility in this accident..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "We'll draw a conclusion after the full test results are available, combined with a detailed technical analysis report of this accident! Meeting adjourned!"

Director Sun's future has been shrouded in a thick shadow.

Master Chen is alright, but not by much.

It all depends on the subsequent comprehensive inspection. If there are no major problems, Director Yang might make an exception and Director Sun might continue in his position.

After the meeting, Engineer Liu returned to his office with a gloomy face.

Ding Pengze's retreat infuriated him, and the protective attitude of Factory Director Yang and Engineer Ling made him feel that Li Kailang was not so easily brought down.

But that's all we can do.

He has no ability to surpass Ling Gong, and if he confronts him, he will only suffer losses.

Secondly, even Director Yang is defending Li Kailang, so there's no point in sticking to the gun.

All he has to do is damage Li Kailang's reputation!
Two days later.

Under close supervision, the grinding machine repair was completed.

Under the supervision of Engineer Ling, Director Sun, Engineer Liu, and others, the grinding machine underwent comprehensive and rigorous performance testing and load tests.

The tests were conducted strictly in accordance with procedures and specifications.

As the main executor of the previous maintenance and the person most familiar with the equipment, Li Kailang also participated in some key testing phases.

Engineer Liu stood by with his arms crossed, watching coldly, praying that the equipment would malfunction again.

Unfortunately, the test results greatly disappointed Engineer Liu.

Everything meets the requirements.

Some problems have resurfaced, but fortunately these are legacy issues and not Li Kailang's fault.

Based on the operation records, statements from those involved, on-site investigation, and technical test reports, the accident investigation team reached its final conclusions and recommendations:

Nature of the accident: Production safety liability accident.

Direct cause: Workshop director Sun violated equipment management regulations by forcing operators to perform ultra-high precision and overload processing before the equipment recovery and verification period was completed, which caused a sudden blockage in the equipment transmission system and triggered circuit overload and burnout.

Director Sun was removed from his position as workshop director, demoted to a regular staff member, transferred from his original post, and placed on probation at the factory for one year.

Chen Dazhu received a major demerit and was laid off to attend a month of safety training.

Li Kailang and Ding Pengze: No liability will be pursued for the accident; they will be commended.

This result was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.

Holding the disciplinary notice, Ding Pengze was filled with mixed emotions.

He was relieved that he hadn't been drawn in any deeper, and was also terrified that he hadn't been used as a pawn by Engineer Liu.

This Li Kailang is not only technically skilled, but also has a very stable temperament; he's not someone to mess with.

"What a pity, this is the result." Engineer Liu sighed, but that was all that could be done.

Li Kailang didn't know what role Liu Gong was playing behind the scenes, but Liu Gong's repeated targeting of him made him remember it.

"You dare target me? Just you wait, we'll see how I deal with you!"

The feud between the two thus began.

(End of this chapter)