Robot Positioning Means for Metallurgical Vessel
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Solution Overview
Problem
In metallurgical processes, precise positioning of metallurgical vessels is challenging due to decimeter-level tolerances, leading to manual compensation and increased health risks for operators, while existing optical sensors are unreliable in harsh environments, affecting process stability and cycle times.
Innovation Solution
A system using a robot with a positioning means that engages with a position element on the metallurgical vessel via contact, utilizing a touch sensor to measure forces and moments for accurate positioning, allowing the robot to determine its position independently and safely, even in conditions like vapor or smoke, without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If optical sensors are used to automate robot positioning at metallurgical vessels, then automation extent is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental conditions like steam and smoke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensing systems with a mechanical positioning system. A robot equipped with a positioning means (mechanical probe) physically contacts a positioning element (target) on the metallurgical vessel to determine position. This mechanical contact-based approach is immune to environmental conditions like steam and smoke that plague optical sensors, thereby maintaining measurement precision while achieving full automation.
2Measurement precision
If manual positioning of the robot is performed by an operator, then measurement precision is improved through direct observation, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to operator exposure to hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the robot to perform self-positioning through automatic contact with the positioning element on the metallurgical vessel. The robot autonomously moves its positioning means to contact the target, detects the contact position, and adjusts accordingly without operator intervention. This eliminates operator exposure to hazardous environments while maintaining precise position determination through the mechanical contact method.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning compensation is performed to achieve precise positioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extended positioning procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning compensation procedures with an automated mechanical positioning system. The robot autonomously contacts the positioning element, detects the contact position through force sensors or position sensors, and automatically adjusts its position. This eliminates the time-consuming manual observation and adjustment process while maintaining high positioning accuracy, thereby reducing cycle times.
4Ease of operation
If optical sensors are used for position detection, then ease of operation is improved through remote detection, but reliability deteriorates in harsh metallurgical environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical detection systems with a mechanical contact-based detection system. The robot's positioning means physically contacts the positioning element on the metallurgical vessel, and position is determined through mechanical interaction detected by force sensors or position sensors. This mechanical approach provides reliable data acquisition in harsh environments with steam, smoke, and extreme temperatures where optical sensors fail, while maintaining ease of remote operation.
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 precise and reliable determination of metallurgical vessel position, reducing operator exposure to hazards, saving labor costs, and improving process stability by allowing automated positioning without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the touch sensor is configured to measure forces and moments acting on the positioning means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Device (1) for position determination of a metallurgical vessel (2), comprises a robot (3) with a positioning means (4) for introduction with a positioning element (20), which is arranged at the metallurgical vessel, for position determination. Independent claims are also included for: (1) the metallurgical vessel of a metallurgical plant, comprising the positioning element, which is introduced with the positioning means for determining the position of the metallurgical vessel; (2) a system comprising the device for position measurement of the metallurgical vessel; and (3) determining the position of the metallurgical vessel by means of the device, comprising introducing the positioning means of the robot for position determination with the positioning element, which is arranged on the metallurgical vessel.