Self-Locking Inner Nozzle for Metallurgical Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
In metallurgy, inner nozzles require manual or robotic holding during the setting of sealing material precursors, which wastes time and restricts operator or robot availability for other duties, as they cannot perform other tasks until the seal is set.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking inner nozzle system with protrusions and a locking ring that securely locks the nozzle in place without external assistance, allowing the sealing material to set into a stiff seal, using L-shaped channels and rotating grips for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual or robotic holding is used during sealing material setting, then the inner nozzle position is maintained, but operator or robot availability is reduced and time is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The inner nozzle system performs the locking function itself through self-contained protrusions and L-shaped channels that automatically engage when the nozzle is inserted, eliminating the need for external holding operations during sealing material setting
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured in the nozzle structure with protrusions positioned to automatically engage with L-shaped channels upon insertion, preparing the locking action before the sealing material has a chance to set
2Reliability
If manual or robotic holding is used during sealing material setting, then the inner nozzle position is maintained, but the process time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates autonomously without requiring continuous external intervention, allowing the sealing material to set while the nozzle remains securely positioned by its own structural features
Solution Approach 2:
The locking action is established immediately upon nozzle insertion, before the sealing material setting process begins, thereby decoupling the positioning requirement from the time-consuming setting operation
3Ease of operation
If a simple insertion method is used, then installation is quick, but the inner nozzle cannot be securely locked in position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into discrete protrusions on the nozzle and corresponding L-shaped channels in the locking ring, allowing simple insertion while achieving secure locking through the segmented engagement features
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped channels provide asymmetric geometry that allows easy insertion in one direction while preventing removal without rotation, creating a secure lock that maintains simplicity of installation
4Reliability
If protrusions are added to the inner nozzle, then self-locking is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is achieved through discrete protrusions rather than a complex continuous structure, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliable self-locking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking features are integrated directly into the inner nozzle structure itself, combining the nozzle function with the locking mechanism into a single unified component rather than adding separate external locking devices
Data Source
AI summary
A self-locking inner nozzle system locks an inner nozzle in operating position at an outlet of a metallurgic vessel for a time sufficient for a sealing material to set, said self-locking inner nozzle system comprising:(A) an inner nozzle, provided with N≥2 protrusions, distributed around a perimeter of the lateral surface,(B) an upper frame rigidly fixed to a bottom surface of a metallurgic vessel,(C) a locking ring, rigidly fixed to the upper framewherein, an inner surface of the locking ring is provided with N L-shaped channels, such that the inner nozzle can be inserted along a longitudinal axis, Z, through an opening of the locking ring, with the N protrusions being engaged in corresponding first channel portion until they abut against corresponding first channel ends, at which point the inner nozzle can be rotated about the longitudinal axis to engage the protrusions along corresponding second channel portions to self-lock the inner nozzle in its operating position.