Sliding Gate Valve Carriage With Selectable Stroke Limitation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sliding gate valves for liquid metal metallurgic vessels risk accidentally entering an overstroke zone during operation, leading to loss of liquid metal due to reduced sealing force between refractory plates, and current solutions require manual intervention which is cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A sliding gate valve with a selecting device that automatically limits the plate frame's stroke to prevent entry into the overstroke zone, using a blocking member and moving mechanism to ensure the plate frame slides within a defined first stroke during nominal operation, and allows an extended stroke for service operations without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the carriage is configured to allow the plate frame to enter the overstroke zone to reduce pressure for service purposes, then the ease of operation for maintenance is improved, but the reliability during nominal operation deteriorates due to risk of accidental liquid metal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is made movable between a blocking position (during nominal operation) and a non-blocking position (during service operations). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its stroke limitation based on operational mode, enabling full stroke access during maintenance while preventing overstroke during casting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically switches between blocking and non-blocking states based on operational requirements. The movable blocking member enables the carriage to self-regulate its stroke limitation without requiring external intervention or complex control systems, improving both safety and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If manual pin placement is used to limit stroke during nominal operation, then the reliability is improved by preventing overstroke, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to cumbersome manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The movable blocking member automatically assumes the role of stroke limitation during nominal operation without requiring manual pin placement. The system self-regulates based on operational mode, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining reliable stroke limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member transitions between blocking and non-blocking positions dynamically based on operational requirements. This eliminates the need for static manual pin placement while maintaining stroke limitation during nominal operation, reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the blocking member is positioned in the non-blocking position to allow extended stroke for service operations, then the ease of operation for maintenance is improved, but the risk of accidental overstroke during nominal operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member dynamically switches between blocking and non-blocking positions based on operational mode. During nominal operation, it blocks the overstroke zone to prevent liquid metal loss. During service operations, it moves to non-blocking position to allow access to the overstroke zone for plate replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically positions the blocking member according to operational requirements without external control. The movable blocking member enables the carriage to self-regulate stroke limitation, preventing harmful overstroke during casting while allowing necessary access during maintenance.
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
This solution ensures safe and reliable operation by preventing accidental entry into the overstroke zone during casting, reducing the risk of liquid metal loss and eliminating the need for manual pin placement, thereby enhancing operational safety and reducing the risk of human error.
Implementation Method 1
said selecting device comprises a blocking member reversibly moveable between a blocking position for selecting the first stroke ΔX1 and a non-blocking position for selecting the second stroke ΔX2
Implementation Method 2
said moving mechanism comprises one or more compression springs
Implementation Method 3
said moving mechanism comprises a cam member located between a second frame member of the selecting device and the blocking member
Implementation Method 4
resilient pressing elements, typically comprising a number of springs, are provided to apply a pushing force to a lower surface of the sliding refractory plate
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The present invention concerns a sliding gate valve of a metallurgic vessel comprising a carriage. The carriage comprises a plate frame for supporting a first refractory plate and the plate frame is slideably mounted on a carriage support structure for sliding along a first axis. The carriage comprises a selecting device for selecting between a first stroke ΔX1 and a second stroke ΔX2 by moving a blocking member between a blocking and a non-blocking position. When the blocking 10 member is located in the blocking position a first bumper portion of the plate frame is bumping into the blocking member if the plate frame is to slide beyond a nominal end-position. When the blocking member is located in the non-blocking position the first bumper portion is not bumping into the blocking member if the plate frame is to slide beyond a nominal end-position, thereby allowing the plate frame to slide beyond the nominal end-position to a service end-position.