Converter Transport Vehicle Pivot Hoist Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Forklifts used to transport converters in the metal industry face increased wear and damage due to high thermal loads and splashes of liquid metal, which hinder the relocation of the fork carriage.
Innovation Solution
A converter transport vehicle with a motor-driven chassis and a swivel lifting mechanism that uses pivot axes to lift and lower the converter, shielding it from contaminants and heat, and includes a linear motor and alignment system to maintain the converter's upright position, with steerable rear wheels for enhanced maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional forklift with sliding surfaces is used to transport the converter, then the converter can be transported, but the thermal load and liquid metal splashes cause increased wear and damage to the lifting mast and hinder fork carriage relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional sliding mechanical system with a pivoting system using pivot axes. The converter carrier pivots about a first horizontal axis relative to the chassis, and the converter itself pivots about a second horizontal axis relative to the carrier. This substitution eliminates sliding surfaces that are vulnerable to thermal load and contamination, providing a more reliable mechanism that resists wear and damage from hot metal splashes.
2Reliability
If the lifting unit uses sliding surfaces to raise and lower the converter, then the lifting function is achieved, but contaminants and metal splashes can ingress into the sliding surfaces causing wear and operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex shielding of sliding surfaces by replacing the sliding mechanism with a pivoting mechanism. The pivot axes system allows the converter carrier and converter to rotate during lifting, naturally preventing contaminant ingress without requiring additional protective shields or complex sealing arrangements.
3Weight of moving object
If a conventional forklift design is used with the lifting mast positioned for optimal lifting, then lifting capability is maintained, but the vehicle requires larger counterweights increasing overall weight and affecting driving characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic pivoting movements instead of fixed sliding relationships. The converter carrier pivots about a first horizontal axis, and the converter pivots about a second horizontal axis, allowing the system to adapt its configuration during lifting operations. This dynamic approach enables optimal force introduction into the chassis near the rear wheels, reducing the need for large counterweights and improving driving characteristics.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a converter transport vehicle (100, 200) having a motorized chassis (1) and a lifting unit (4) arranged on the chassis (1) comprising a converter carrier (8), wherein the lifting unit (4) is designed as a pivot hoist (5) that is preferably arranged in the rear region on the chassis (1) viewed in the forward travel direction (V).