Gimbal Axis Load Cell Integration for Accurate Electrode Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remelting furnaces face challenges in accurately measuring the weight of consumable electrodes due to transverse forces on load cells when the electrode holder is tilted, leading to measurement inaccuracies and temperature sensitivity issues with exposed load cells, requiring a complex structural setup to maintain accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the weight sensor into the gimbal axes of the cardanic suspension, with load cells arranged in the axle bearings, ensures accurate weight measurement without transverse forces and maintains a consistent temperature, reducing the overall structural height and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the load cells are exposed mounted on the furnace vessel top or skid, then the structural height is reduced, but the measurement results become highly temperature-sensitive and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The load cells are integrated into the gimbal axes structure, with the gimbal axes nested within the cardanic suspension system. This nesting allows the weight sensing function to be incorporated within the existing structural height while providing thermal protection through the gimbal enclosure, resolving the contradiction between compact structure and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal axes serve as an intermediary structure that houses the load cells, protecting them from external temperature influences while transmitting the weight information. This intermediary structure allows the load cells to be shielded from thermal effects without requiring additional structural height
2Measurement precision
If the platform is connected to the frame via wishbones to support lateral forces, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and structural effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing and measurement functions are merged into the gimbal axes structure. The gimbal axes simultaneously support the electrode rod holder, enable cardanic movement, and house the load cells for weight measurement. This integration eliminates the need for separate wishbone structures while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal axes serve multiple functions: they provide the cardanic suspension mechanism for lateral tilting, support the electrode rod holder structure, and contain the load cells for weight measurement. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving accurate measurements
3Manufacturing precision
If the electrode rod holder is tilted laterally to position the consumable electrode centrally, then positioning accuracy is improved, but transverse forces are exerted on the load cells causing measurement falsification
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented from the tilting mechanism by placing load cells within the gimbal axes rather than on the tilting platform itself. This segmentation allows the platform to tilt freely for positioning while the load cells remain in a stable position, measuring only vertical weight forces without transverse interference
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a universal joint suspension system for a re-melting furnace, said system being used to hold the electrode rod (3) mounting comprising the consumable electrode (4) cardanically in relation to the furnace body, thus allowing the mounting (6) to be tipped in any direction. The fundamental concept of the invention is that weighing cells (17) are arranged in the bearings of one shaft of the universal joint bearing (10), said cells determining the weight of the mounting (6) and the parts suspended therein, such that the weight of the consumable electrode (4) can be continuously derived from said determination process.