Tapered Clamping Assembly for Converter Vessel Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing converter systems face complexities in quickly changing converter vessels due to cumbersome detachment mechanisms and thermal expansion issues, leading to increased downtimes and wear.
Innovation Solution
A connection system between the converter vessel and the support ring featuring radially adjustable clamping elements and tapered receptacles allows for easy detachment and radial prestressing, reducing mechanical stress and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional detachment mechanisms are used to connect lamellae to the support ring, then the connection is secure, but the detachment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate clamping elements that can be independently adjusted and released. Each clamping element can be individually moved away from the clamping body, allowing sequential detachment without requiring complex mechanical separation of the entire connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping elements are designed to be radially adjustable, transitioning from a clamped state during operation to a released state for detachment. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the connection to be securely fastened during converter operation and easily released when vessel exchange is required.
2Reliability
If conventional connection systems are used, then structural strength is maintained, but thermal expansion causes increased wear and requires additional cooling measures
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system accommodates thermal expansion by allowing radial adjustment of the clamping elements. As the converter vessel expands thermally, the clamping elements can be adjusted radially to maintain proper connection geometry and clearance, preventing excessive wear and eliminating the need for active cooling of the connection components.
3Strength
If secure clamping is implemented to hold the converter vessel, then connection reliability is improved, but the detachment process requires additional measures and time
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping connection is segmented into multiple independently adjustable clamping elements distributed around the converter vessel. This segmentation allows each clamping element to be individually released and moved away from its clamping body, enabling parallel detachment operations that reduce overall vessel exchange time while maintaining secure clamping during operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates quick vessel exchange, minimizes downtimes, and reduces wear by simplifying the detachment process and compensating for thermal expansion without additional cooling or wear parts.
Implementation Method 1
at least one clamping element is arranged radially adjustable on at least one connecting body, with which the clamping body can be subjected to a clamping force in the direction of the respective other connecting body
Implementation Method 2
Due to the tensioned connection between the clamping body and the connecting bodies, a radial prestressing of the respective lamella can also be achieved
Implementation Method 3
The ring-side connecting unit comprises at least two connecting bodies arranged radially spaced apart from one another, between which at least one connecting receptacle is arranged, which has a receiving opening on an underside facing away from the support ring and a prismatic cross-sectional area with respect to a radial sectional plane, with sides of the connecting bodies facing one another being inclined
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Arrangement (2) for connecting a lamella (12) to a support ring (4), comprising a ring-side connecting unit (14) and a lamella-side connecting unit (15). The ring-side connecting unit (14) comprises two radially spaced connecting bodies (16, 17) between which a connecting receptacle (18) is arranged, the receptacle having a receiving opening (19) on a lower side facing away from the support ring (4) and a prismatic cross-sectional area with respect to a radial section plane. The opposing sides of the connecting bodies (16, 17) are each inclined such that the distance between the two connecting bodies (16, 17) decreases continuously in the direction of the receiving opening (19).The lamellar-side connecting unit (15) comprises a clamping body (22) that can be inserted into the connecting receptacle (18) via the receiving opening (19). The clamping body has a prismatic cross-sectional area that tapers continuously towards the lamellar (12) with respect to a radial section plane, wherein a base (23) of the clamping body (22) facing the support ring (4) is shorter than the radial width of the receiving opening (19). At least one clamping element (24) is radially adjustable on at least one connecting body (16, 17), and this clamping element allows the clamping body (22) to be subjected to a clamping force in the direction of the other connecting body (16, 17).