Horizontal Connecting Elements for Tilting Converter Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems for tiltable converters face high loads during tilting, leading to increased space and maintenance costs, reduced service life, and limited converter vessel diameter due to robust pendulum rods and stabilization devices, which also result in high storage logistics costs.
Innovation Solution
A tiltable converter design featuring horizontal connecting elements aligned parallel to the support ring plane, engaging in an articulated manner with the converter vessel or support ring, and arranged within trunnions to distribute weight forces evenly, reducing load on individual elements and allowing for smaller, more efficient design, with optional eccentric bolts for adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pendulum rods and linkages are designed to be robust to withstand high loads during tilting, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the space requirement and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple horizontal connecting elements (at least two) arranged in the trunnion area, which share the load distribution. This segmentation allows each individual element to be smaller while collectively providing the required strength, thus reducing the overall space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical pendulum rods to horizontal connecting elements arranged in the trunnion area. This dimensional change allows the connecting elements to be positioned in a different spatial arrangement, reducing the vertical space requirement while maintaining load-bearing capacity through distributed support.
2Reliability
If pendulum rods are designed robustly to handle high loads, then the reliability is improved, but the service life decreases due to increased wear and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the load-bearing function across multiple horizontal connecting elements, each element experiences reduced stress and wear. This segmentation distributes the mechanical fatigue, thereby extending the service life of individual components while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter from vertical (pendulum rods) to horizontal (connecting elements in trunnion area), which fundamentally alters the load distribution pattern. This parameter change reduces the magnitude of forces experienced by each connecting element, thereby extending service life.
3Stability of the object's composition
If stabilization devices are added to limit converter vessel movement, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing function is merged into the horizontal connecting elements themselves, which are positioned in the trunnion area. The connecting elements provide both support and stabilization through their geometric arrangement and articulation, eliminating the need for separate stabilization devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal connecting elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable tilting motion through articulation, and provide stabilization through their arrangement in the trunnion area. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stabilization devices, reducing device complexity.
4Strength
If robust pendulum rods and stabilization devices are used, then the strength is improved, but the achievable diameter of the converter vessel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By moving from vertical pendulum rods to horizontal connecting elements in the trunnion area, the patent frees up vertical space and reduces the radial space requirement. This dimensional change allows for larger converter vessel diameters while maintaining the required support strength through the distributed horizontal connecting elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into multiple horizontal connecting elements distributed in the trunnion area, which provides strength through distribution rather than concentration. This segmentation allows the converter vessel to have larger diameter without requiring proportionally larger individual support elements.
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of connecting elements (disk packs, pendulum rods, claws) are used, then the adaptability is improved, but the storage logistics costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal connecting elements are designed as universal components that can be used in all positions within the trunnion area. This standardization reduces the variety of components needed, lowering storage logistics costs, while the elements maintain adaptability through their articulated design and interchangeable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs homogeneous horizontal connecting elements with similar design characteristics throughout the trunnion area, replacing the heterogeneous mix of disk packs, pendulum rods, and claws. This homogeneity simplifies inventory management and reduces storage logistics costs while maintaining system versatility through geometric arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tiltable converter (1), comprising a converter vessel (2) with a converter axis (3), a supporting ring (4) which surrounds the converter vessel (2) at a distance and has two diametrically opposite supporting pins (6, 7) which are respectively arranged on a fixed bearing side and on a loose bearing side of the supporting ring (4) and a suspension system for supporting the converter vessel (2) on the supporting ring (4). The suspension system comprises at least two horizontal connecting elements (8) which are oriented parallel to a supporting ring plane formed by the supporting ring (4) and which respectively act in an articulated manner by way of their opposite ends on the converter vessel (2) and on the supporting ring (4). Another subject of the invention is a method for converting a tiltable converter.