Side Seal Plate Transfer Device Linear Guide Rail Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dual-roller continuous casting apparatuses, existing side seal plate transfer devices complicate safe operation and prolong transfer times due to unclear moving ranges and complex directional changes, which can lead to inefficient heat retention and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A side seal plate transfer device with guide rails, sliding plates, and a clamping apparatus that allows for linear transfer on a base with defined openings, enabling rapid and safe movement of preheated side seal plates between preheating and attachment apparatuses, ensuring a clear operation area and minimizing heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If side seal plates are transferred using a clamping apparatus with rotation, then the side seal plates can be moved between preheating and attachment apparatuses, but the moving range is not clear at a glance and the operation area becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device is divided into distinct functional segments: preheating apparatuses, attachment apparatuses, and a transfer apparatus with guide rails. Each segment has a clear defined area, making the operation space transparent and easy to understand for operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer apparatus moves in a linear direction along guide rails rather than rotating, changing the motion dimension from rotational to translational. This linear movement creates clear visual boundaries and defines the operation area precisely, making it easier for operators to understand safe zones.
2Productivity
If side seal plates change direction through rotation, then they can be positioned on both end sides of cooling rollers, but the transfer time increases and heat retention is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the side seal plates to change their orientation, the invention inverts the approach by moving the transfer apparatus linearly to directly position plates on either side. This eliminates the rotational maneuvering time and maintains heat retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer apparatus operates continuously along the guide rails without interruption for directional changes. The linear movement from preheating apparatus to attachment apparatus is continuous and direct, minimizing idle time and maintaining thermal energy throughout the transfer process.
3Ease of operation
If operators need to perform inspection and operation on the cooling roller floor, then an operation space is required, but the existing device makes it difficult to judge safe operation range
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails are designed with high-visibility characteristics that make the operation area and moving range clearly distinguishable. The linear guide rails create visual boundaries that help operators instantly identify safe zones and device boundaries, eliminating uncertainty about operation ranges.
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
Facilitates safe and efficient transfer of side seal plates by clearly defining the operation area, reducing transfer time, and maintaining heat retention, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of side seal plate preheating apparatuses (16) for receiving and heating side seal plates
Implementation Method 2
a pair of side seal plate transfer apparatuses (121), travelling on the respective guide rails (111), supporting the side seal plates (12) in a detachable manner, and transferring the side seal plates (12) between the side seal plate preheating apparatuses (16) and the side seal plate pressing and attachment apparatuses (13)
Implementation Method 3
the side seal plate transfer apparatuses (121) supporting the side seal plates (12) in a detachable manner
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A side seal plate transfer device comprises: a pair of side seal plate preheating apparatuses (16) for accommodating side seal plates (12) for end surfaces of a pair of cooling rollers (11); a pair of side seal plate pressing and attachment apparatuses (13); a base (110), a melting pool (10), the cooling rollers, the side seal plate pressing and attachment apparatuses and the side seal plate preheating apparatuses being disposed at positions closer to the lower side relative to the base; a pair of guide rails (111) disposed on the base and linearly extending at outer sides relative to the two end surfaces of the cooling rollers; a pair of side seal plate transfer apparatuses (121), travelling on the respective guide rails, and transferring the side seal plates; a first opening (131) formed in the base above the melting pool portion; a pair of second openings (133), serving as paths for transferring side seal plates and formed on the base; and a pair of third openings (132), serving as paths for transferring side seal plates and formed on the base. The side seal plate transfer device allows an operator to easily recognize a safe operation area, and can fast transfer side seal plates from the preheating apparatuses to the melting pool portion.