Dummy Plate Emergency Closure for Casting Nozzle Changer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing casting tube changers lack a means for quick emergency closure, posing safety risks and requiring time-consuming manual operations, which can be dangerous for operators.
Innovation Solution
An automatic dummy plate system integrated into the changer, driven by a hydraulic linear actuator, allows for simultaneous pipe change and emergency closure, with the dummy plate being held above the displacement plane during normal operation and automatically lowered in emergencies, using hooks and a prestressing spring for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual actuation of the dummy plate is used for emergency closure, then the device structure is simpler, but the operation time increases and operator safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dummy plate emergency closure function with the existing automated nozzle changing mechanism. The same actuating member (carriage and driver) that moves nozzles is used to push the dummy plate into the pouring channel, merging two functions into one automated system and eliminating manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic emergency closure without requiring operator action. The automated driver pushes the dummy plate into the pouring channel when needed, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the time-consuming and dangerous manual operation while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If manual actuation of the dummy plate is used for emergency closure, then the device structure is simpler, but operational safety deteriorates due to operator danger
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency closure function is merged with the automated nozzle changing system. The same actuating member that automatically changes nozzles also automatically positions the dummy plate, eliminating the need for manual intervention and thereby improving operational safety while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic emergency closure without operator involvement. The automated driver mechanism pushes the dummy plate into the pouring channel in response to emergency signals, making the system self-protecting and eliminating safety risks to operators while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Device complexity
If the dummy plate is held above the displacement plane during normal operation, then the structure is simpler and the plate can be used for both changing and emergency closure, but the plate must be automatically lowered in emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy plate is designed to serve dual purposes: it acts as a spacer during normal nozzle changing operations and as an emergency closure element for the pouring channel. By positioning it above the displacement plane during normal operation, the same plate can be automatically pushed into the pouring channel when needed, eliminating the need for separate structures for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the nozzle changing function and emergency closure function into a single automated mechanism. The same actuating member (carriage and driver) that changes nozzles also pushes the dummy plate into the pouring channel for emergency closure, combining two safety-critical functions into one integrated system.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 3~4a
Figure 5~6a
AI summary
The pouring spout changer according to the invention is characterised in that it is provided with a dummy plate (14) for closing the casting channel of the casting device in an emergency. The dummy plate (14) can be brought into the closed position by the same actuation member (11) by means of which a worn pouring spout (21) is replaced by a new pouring spout (22) during normal operation. The changing device can also be used as a casting nozzle changer, preferably with a nozzle gripper for removing the worn casting nozzles.