Pressure Control System for Cast Steel Wheel Pouring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gravity pouring processes for cast steel wheels lack precise control over pressure, leading to inconsistent product quality and limited adaptability for producing different wheel types.

Innovation Solution

A pressure control system comprising a control system with a computer, PLC unit, sensors, and electronic valves, and a main gas circuit with valves and pressure tanks, allowing for controlled pressure regulation and multi-speed mold filling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If gravity pouring process is used for cast steel wheels, then the process is simple and easy to operate, but the product quality is inconsistent and pressure control is imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct quality consistencyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pneumatic pressure control by introducing a gas pressure bag, pressure tank, and compressed air system into the pouring process. The pressure control system uses pneumatic components to regulate and control the pressure during mold filling, enabling precise pressure control and consistent product quality while transitioning from simple gravity pouring to controlled pressure pouring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-speed mold filling by dynamically adjusting pressure parameters through the pressure control system. The system can switch between different pressure levels (first speed and second speed) during the pouring process, allowing optimization of filling rates for different wheel types and improving manufacturing precision through parameter variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If pressure pouring technology is implemented, then product quality improves, but the system complexity increases with multiple valves and control components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure control precisionVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure control system is segmented into functional modules: pressure generation module (pressure tank, compressed air), pressure regulation module (pressure reducing valve, solenoid valve), pressure maintenance module (gas pressure bag), and control module (PLC, sensors). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gas pressure bag acts as an intermediary component between the compressed air system and the liquid steel pouring process. It stores compressed air and provides stable pressure to the pouring system, mediating the interaction between the pressure generation system and the mold filling process, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multi-speed mold filling is implemented, then adaptability for different wheel types improves, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability for different wheel typesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure control system implements dynamic multi-speed control by adjusting pressure parameters during the pouring process. The system can switch between first speed (higher pressure) and second speed (lower pressure) based on real-time conditions and wheel type requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the same system to handle different wheel types effectively without requiring multiple dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor the pouring process in real-time. The PLC unit receives feedback signals and automatically adjusts pressure parameters to maintain optimal filling speeds for different wheel types, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying operation despite the advanced control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system ensures safe, reliable, and convenient operation with adaptable flowing speeds, enhancing product quality and versatility in producing various wheel types.

Implementation Method 1

a steel ladle containing qualified liquid steel is placed in a pressure vessel which is then be filled with compressed air; the liquid steel under pressure flows into the graphite mold cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10464126B2Pressure control system and means for pressure pouring of cast steel wheels
Publication Date: 2019.11.05 AMSTED RAIL CO INC
  • US10464126B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pressure control system and means for pressure pouring of cast steel wheels, including a control system and a main gas circuit. The control system includes an upper computer, a PLC unit, a sensor, an operation box and an electronic valve. The upper computer is connected via a signal line with the PLC unit which is connected with each of the sensor, the operation box and the electronic valve. The sensor includes an inside-tank pressure sensor and an inside-mold liquid level detecting sensor. The electronic valve includes a quick breaking valve and a servo valve. The main gas circuit includes a gas pressure bag, a ball valve, a pressure reducing valve, a solenoid valve, and a pressure tank. The gas pressure bag, the ball valve, the pressure reducing valve, the solenoid valve and the pressure tank are connected with one another via gas tubes.