Multi-Plug Drive for Continuous Casting Manifold Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for starting and stopping multi-strand continuous casting machines are time-consuming and hazardous due to the high number of plug drives, which are prone to damage and require dangerous assembly on hot equipment.
Innovation Solution
A multi-plug drive system that allows independent opening and closing of multiple plugs, attached to a beam for easy assembly and disassembly, with electrical connections made via a single harness, and transported using a manipulator to reduce assembly time and risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate plug drives are mounted on the casting distributor, then each plug can be controlled independently, but the assembly and disassembly time increases significantly and the risk of damage and injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate plug drives into a single integrated multi-plug drive unit that can control multiple plugs simultaneously. This merging approach allows independent control of each plug while reducing the number of separate assembly operations required, thereby decreasing assembly and disassembly time without sacrificing operational independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-plug drive is designed as a universal unit capable of controlling multiple plugs through a single interface. This multi-functional design enables one assembly operation to install multiple plug drives at once, reducing the overall assembly time while maintaining the ability to independently control each individual plug during operation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate plug drives are assembled on the hot casting distributor, then each plug can be controlled, but the risk of injury to assembly personnel increases due to exposure to hot equipment
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple plug drives into a single multi-plug drive unit, the patent reduces the number of separate assembly operations required on the hot casting distributor. Assembly personnel need to perform fewer hot-work operations, thereby reducing cumulative exposure time to hot equipment and lowering the overall risk of injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-plug drive is designed as a pre-assembled unit with multiple plugs already attached in a controlled environment before being installed on the hot casting distributor. This preliminary assembly approach allows workers to complete the assembly process in a safer, cooler environment and then simply attach the complete unit to the distributor, minimizing exposure to hot equipment.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate plug drives are used on the casting distributor, then each outlet can be controlled, but the risk of damage to the plug drives increases during transport and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple plug drives into a single robust multi-plug drive unit with a unified structure. This consolidation provides better mechanical protection for the individual plug drives during transport and storage, as they are no longer separate vulnerable components but are instead integrated into a single protected assembly that can be handled more safely.
4Ease of operation
If multiple separate plug drives are assembled on the casting distributor, then complete plug control is achieved, but the complexity of assembly and electrical connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple plug drives into a single multi-plug drive unit with integrated electrical connections. This merging approach reduces the number of separate electrical harnesses and connection points required, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing electrical complexity while maintaining the ability to independently control each outlet.
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
Significantly reduces the time required for assembly and disassembly of plug drives, minimizes the risk of damage and injury, and enhances safety by using a single multi-plug drive system with a manipulator for transport and mounting.
Implementation Method 1
heating the pouring manifold
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for starting and stopping the casting operation of a multi-strand continuous casting machine and to a multi-plug drive for opening and closing multiple plugs. The object of the invention is to reduce the time required for mounting the plug drives on a casting manifold. Furthermore, the risk of injury during the mounting of the plug drives is to be reduced. This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 comprising the following steps: - Mounting a multi-plug drive (2) on a casting manifold (1), wherein the casting manifold is located in a setup area (11), preferably on a casting platform of the continuous casting machine, and the multi-plug drive (2) can open and close multiple plugs (5) independently of one another; - Attaching plugs (5) to the multi-plug drive (2);- Placing the casting distributor (1) onto a distributor carriage (12), the distributor carriage (12) being in a parked position on the casting platform of the continuous casting machine (100); - Establishing electrical connections between a control unit of the continuous casting machine (100) and the multi-plug drive (2); - Heating the casting distributor (1); - Moving the distributor carriage (12) into a casting position; - Filling the casting distributor (1); - Opening at least one discharge channel (9) from the casting distributor (1) by moving a plug (5) of the multi-plug drive (2), thereby starting the casting operation of the continuous casting machine (100).