Lance Plug-In Coupling With Gravity Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lances for accommodating sensors or samplers in molten metal handling lack a reliable and quick connection mechanism for exchanging parts, which is crucial for safe and efficient operation in steelworks.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in coupling system with a bayonet lock mechanism, featuring a blocking device that moves by gravity to secure the connection between the upper and lower parts of the lance, ensuring stable and easy detachment and connection, while preventing twisting and allowing for multiple uses and different connection conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plug-in coupling system is used for exchanging lance parts, then the exchange speed and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for coupling parts, blocking devices, and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The lance is divided into upper and lower parts that can be detachably connected through plug-in coupling. This segmentation allows quick exchange of parts while maintaining overall system functionality, directly addressing the need for fast replacement without requiring complete lance replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling parts are designed with nested structures where one coupling part is inserted into another. The blocking device with locking elements nests within the coupling structure, creating a compact assembly that achieves reliable connection without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If a blocking device with locking element is implemented to prevent twisting, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the additional mechanism required for attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is designed to move automatically by gravity when the coupling parts are connected. The locking element engages with the extension and opening/groove without requiring manual intervention, achieving reliable automatic locking that prevents twisting while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device is made movable in the longitudinal direction of the lance, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. This dynamic design enables the locking element to engage and disengage smoothly during connection and detachment operations, balancing reliability with operational ease.
3Ease of manufacture
If the coupling parts are designed as hollow cylinders with circular cross section, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates compared to more complex geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling parts are designed with optimized dimensional parameters including wall thickness, length, and diameter of the hollow cylindrical structure. These parameter changes allow the simple cylindrical geometry to achieve sufficient strength for withstanding mechanical demands while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling parts utilize material selection and potential composite construction to enhance strength without complicating the basic cylindrical geometry. This allows the maintaining of manufacturing simplicity while achieving the required structural integrity for reliable operation.
4Ease of operation
If the blocking device moves by gravity to secure the connection, then the ease of operation is improved through automatic locking, but the reliability deteriorates under conditions where gravity may not provide sufficient locking force
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device combines gravitational movement with mechanical engagement features including the locking element, extension, and opening/groove. This merging of passive gravitational motion with active mechanical interlocking ensures reliable locking that functions consistently regardless of orientation or gravitational variations.
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
Enables reliable and quick exchange of lance parts, ensuring secure and stable operation even under demanding conditions, facilitating repeated use and easy routing of electrical lines through the hollow cylindrical coupling parts.
Implementation Method 1
The blocking device is arranged on the lance so that it can be moved by gravity. As a result, after the upper part has been connected to the lower part in the operating position of the lance, it moves downwards and prevents the coupling parts of the upper part and lower part from twisting in relation to one another
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The lance comprises an upper part (1) and a lower part (2), which are arranged on a sensor or sampler and are detachably connected with one another by a plug-in connector, and a blocking device (5) movably arranged at the upper part of the lance by a gravitational force. The plug-in connector has two coupling parts (3, 4) plugged into one another in the longitudinal direction of the lance. A first coupling part is arranged at the upper part and the second coupling part is arranged at the lower part. One of the coupling parts at its open connecting end has an opening or groove (9). The lance comprises an upper part (1) and a lower part (2), which are arranged on a sensor or sampler and are detachably connected with one another by a plug-in connector, and a blocking device (5) movably arranged at the upper part of the lance by a gravitational force. The plug-in connector has two coupling parts (3, 4) plugged into one another in the longitudinal direction of the lance. A first coupling part is arranged at the upper part and the second coupling part is arranged at the lower part. One of the coupling parts at its open connecting end has an opening or groove (9) extending itself from the front side of the coupling parts in the longitudinal direction of the lance. The opening or the groove has an extension spatially formed from the front side of the first coupling part in a circumferential direction of the coupling part. An elevation is formed at the second coupling part and intervenes into the extension. A latching element of the blocking device is partially arranged between a part of the elevation and a part of its opening or groove extending itself in the longitudinal direction of the lance. The blocking device is movable in the longitudinal direction of the lance. The coupling parts are formed as bayonet lock, and as hollow cylinder within the circular cross-section. The second coupling part arranged at the lower part is plugged into the first coupling part arranged at the upper part. An electrical coupling is arranged in the plug-in connector.