Galvanizing Strip Deflector Positioning via Synchronized Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for positioning deflectors in continuous galvanizing lines require frequent manual adjustments due to variations in the strip's mean plane and edge positions, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns in a hostile environment.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for positioning deflectors using an arm wider than the strip, with movable ends synchronized to the beams supporting the wipers, allowing for automatic alignment and reduced human intervention by utilizing mechanical and automatic drives to maintain equidistance from the wipers' mean plane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of deflectors is performed frequently to maintain positioning accuracy, then positioning precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to operational interruptions and safety concerns in hostile environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeflector positioning precisionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-positioning of deflectors through mechanical synchronization with wiper beams. The movable ends of the arm are coupled to wiper beams via synchronization devices that automatically maintain the deflector arm equidistant from the mean plane of the strip, eliminating the need for manual intervention and continuous operator adjustments in the hostile environment near the molten zinc bath

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization devices mechanically sense the positions of the wiper beams and automatically adjust the deflector arm position accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the deflectors maintain optimal positioning relative to the strip edges without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between maintaining precision and preserving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If complex positioning systems with multiple actuators and measurement systems are used, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeflector positioning precisionVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the positioning control of deflectors with the existing wiper beam positioning system. The movable ends of the deflector arm are mechanically coupled to the wiper beams through synchronization devices, so that a single positioning action simultaneously controls both the wiper position and the deflector position, eliminating the need for separate actuators and measurement systems for each

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wiper beams serve dual functions: they position the wipers for zinc thickness control and simultaneously position the deflectors through mechanical coupling. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant positioning systems while maintaining precise deflector positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2276867B1Device and method for positioning two baffles associated with wiping of a galvanising product
Publication Date: 2011.11.30 SIEMENS VAI METALS TECHNOLOGIES SAS
  • EP2276867B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2276867B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2276867B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device and a method for positioning two baffles in the vicinity of each of two edges of a moving steel strip exiting a continuous line for dip-galvanising a strip in a liquid galvanising product such as liquid zinc. Said baffles control turbulence to the side of the two strip edges. Each of the wipers is supported by a beam that is also longer than the strip width. The baffles are arranged on an arm having a width greater than the strip width, said arm having two movable ends, wherein each movable end adjacent to a strip edge is coupled, via two synchronisation devices, to each of the respective adjacent ends of the two beams so that the movable end is instantly centred between the two adjacent ends.