Rotating Stopper Control for Molten Metal Drip Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual operation of a stopper pin in a pressurized pouring furnace to prevent dripping is inefficient, unsafe, and unreliable, as it requires constant monitoring and can lead to equipment damage or injury due to high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A drip prevention device with a stopper that rotates automatically and is controlled by a motor upon detection of dripping, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual operation of stopper pin is used to prevent dripping, then the stopper can be rotated to remove foreign matter, but the operation becomes inefficient and unsafe due to constant monitoring requirements and high temperature exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrip prevention reliabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring through the drip detection device that automatically detects dripping and triggers the rotation motor to rotate the stopper, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and operation by workers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of rotating the stopper pin is replaced by an automated system comprising a rotation motor and control device that automatically rotates the stopper when dripping is detected

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual rotation of stopper pin is performed, then dripping can be stopped by removing foreign matter, but the operator is exposed to high temperature risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrip prevention effectivenessVSAvoidhigh temperature exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system autonomously detects and responds to dripping conditions without human intervention, with the drip detection device and rotation motor working together to eliminate foreign matter and stop dripping safely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation motor acts as an intermediary between the detection of dripping and the physical rotation of the stopper, allowing the system to perform the dangerous operation of rotating the stopper in high temperature environments without exposing operators to heat

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If automatic detection and rotation system is implemented, then labor requirements are reduced and safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic drip preventionVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a drip detection device for monitoring, a rotation motor for actuation, and a control device for coordination, allowing each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 device provides safe and reliable drip prevention by automating the stopper's rotation, reducing labor requirements and enhancing operational safety in high-temperature environments.

Implementation Method 1

a rotation motor that rotates the stopper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a stopper that brings a lower end thereof into contact with the outlet so as to block the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

a drip detection device that detects dripping of molten metal from the outlet in a case where the dripping occurs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVisual detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12521788B2Drip prevention device for pressurized pouring furnace

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 TEIKOKU PISTON RING CO LTD

AI summary

A drip prevention device for a pressurized pouring furnace according to the present disclosure is a device 10 that prevents dripping of molten metal from a molten metal outlet of the pressurized pouring furnace The drip prevention device 10 includes: a stopper 20 that brings a lower end thereof into contact with the outlet so as to block the outlet, and is provided so as to be able to rotate about a central axis 20C of the stopper with no rotation angle limitation and move vertically above the outlet; a rotation motor 30 that rotates the stopper 20; a drip detection device 60 that detects dripping of molten metal from the outlet in a case where the dripping occurs; and a control device 70 that, in a case where a drip detection signal is received from the drip detection device 60, drives the rotation motor 30 to cause the stopper 20 to perform a predetermined rotation operation.