Immersion Probe Adjustable Portion for Converter Furnace Sublance Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current immersion probes face connection issues due to deformation of immersion sublances from repeated use in converter furnaces, leading to clearance problems and difficulties in connecting new probes, especially with radial and longitudinal variations, and existing solutions require adaptation or stoppage of measurement processes.
Innovation Solution
An immersion probe assembly with an adjustable portion and elastic connection mechanism that compensates for length variations, allowing connection to deformed sublances without adaptation, using an elastic portion to change length upon contact, ensuring a secure and efficient connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the immersion sublance is reused for several immersions and measurements, then the service life of the sublance is extended, but the sublance undergoes deformations due to harsh ambient conditions and high temperatures, resulting in connection problems with new immersion probes
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a rigid fixed-length structure to a dynamic variable-length structure. The immersion probe incorporates an adjustable portion that can extend or retract, allowing the connection length to adapt automatically to the deformed state of the reused sublance holder, thereby maintaining precise connection despite thermal deformations
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameter (length) is made variable rather than fixed. The adjustable portion of the immersion probe changes its length parameter in response to the deformation of the sublance holder, enabling the system to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction cycles that occur during repeated use in high-temperature converter furnaces
2Device complexity
If the immersion probe has a fixed length structure, then the manufacturing and connection process is simpler, but it cannot compensate for the length variations of deformed sublances, leading to clearance problems
Solution Approach 1:
The immersion probe incorporates a dynamic adjustable portion that can change its length, transforming the static fixed-length structure into a variable-length structure. This allows the probe to automatically adapt to the deformed state of the sublance holder without requiring complex external adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable portion of the immersion probe automatically adjusts its own length in response to the deformation of the sublance holder. The system performs self-adjustment during the connection process, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining connection reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If the cardboard casing of the immersion probe is used without protection, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but radial and longitudinal variations occur due to climatic conditions and storage location, creating connection difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The connection length parameter is made variable to compensate for dimensional variations in the cardboard casing. The adjustable portion allows the probe to adapt to radial and longitudinal variations caused by climatic conditions and storage, maintaining connection precision without requiring expensive protected storage infrastructure
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
The adjustable immersion probe effectively connects to deformed sublances, compensating for radial and longitudinal variations, preventing molten metal splashes and ensuring reliable operation without requiring sublance adaptation, thus enhancing connection efficiency and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting portion and the fixed portion being associated to one another by means of an elastic portion, said elastic portion being configured so as to change the length of the adjustable portion once a first contact point has been established with the surface of the connecting portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly of immersion sublance (1) and immersion probe (2) for a converter furnace (100), said sublance (1) comprising a guide (16) and a guide connecting end (16a), said guide connecting end (16a) being configured so as to be coupled to a first coupling end (10a) of a sublance holder (10), said sublance holder (10) extending longitudinally from the first coupling end (10a) to a second coupling end (10b), said sublance holder (10) being connected to the immersion probe by means of a connection between the second coupling end (10b) of the sublance holder (10) and an adjustable portion (11) of the immersion probe (2). The present invention also relates to an immersion probe (2) for a converter furnace (100) comprising a casing (12) and an adjustable portion (11), said casing (12) featuring an internal cavity in order to receive an adjustable portion (11), said adjustable portion (11) extending longitudinally along the internal cavity of the casing (12) from a connecting portion (11a) to a fixed portion (11b), said connecting portion (11a) and fixed portion (11b) being associated to one another by means of an elastic portion (11c), said elastic portion (11c) being configured so as to change the length of the adjustable portion (11) once a first contact point (P1) has been established with the surface of the connecting portion (11a).