Bottom Plate Assembly Bayonet Free Collector Nozzle Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for coupling a collector nozzle to a metallurgic vessel require a separate bayonet ring and rotation, which is cumbersome for operators and can damage the sealing material, leading to potential leaks during casting.
Innovation Solution
A bottom plate assembly that allows coupling of the collector nozzle without a separate bayonet ring and without rotating the nozzle, using protrusions and channels in a bayonet ring to securely lock the nozzle in place, preserving the sealing material integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a separate bayonet ring is used to couple the collector nozzle to the metallurgic vessel, then the coupling strength is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bayonet ring coupling mechanism directly into the collector nozzle structure. The nozzle includes integrated bayonet coupling elements (protrusions and recesses) that engage with the metallurgic vessel, eliminating the need for a separate bayonet ring component while maintaining coupling strength and simplifying the overall device.
2Reliability
If rotation of the collector nozzle is required for securing it in place, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates and the sealing material can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the bayonet coupling elements (protrusions and recesses) in predetermined orientations during manufacturing. This preliminary positioning allows the collector nozzle to be coupled to the metallurgic vessel in a single alignment action without requiring rotation during installation, thereby maintaining coupling reliability while significantly improving ease of operation and preventing damage to sealing materials.
3Strength
If a separate bayonet ring is used for coupling, then the coupling strength is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to additional handling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the bayonet coupling mechanism into the collector nozzle itself, combining what were previously separate components (nozzle and bayonet ring) into a single unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate handling and installation steps, allowing the nozzle to be coupled directly to the metallurgic vessel in one operation, thereby maintaining coupling strength while improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A gate for metallurgic vessels is provided with a collector nozzle coupled to a bottom plate assembly of the gate. The bottom plate assembly allows a collector nozzle to be coupled to a bottom gate plate without need of a separate bayonet ring. A bayonet ring is integrated to the bottom plate assembly, allowing a collector nozzle to be mounted by a single robot, or by a single operator more easily than existing systems.