Slide Gate Actuator for Molten Metal Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide gates for metal casting operations lack a mechanism to efficiently control the flow rate of molten metal, as they rely on manual alignment of refractory plates and nozzles, which is cumbersome and does not allow for precise regulation of flow rates during casting.
Innovation Solution
A slide gate design incorporating first and second frame members, nozzles, plates, biasing members, a hinge, and an actuator, where the second frame member can pivot and be biased by springs and rollers to align or misalign the nozzle passageways and plate openings, allowing for controlled flow of molten metal by varying the degree of alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment of refractory plates and nozzles is used, then the slide gate structure is simple, but the flow rate control precision is poor and operation is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the refractory plates and nozzles movable rather than fixed. The second refractory plate and nozzle can be positioned at various degrees of alignment with the first refractory plate and nozzle, allowing dynamic adjustment of the flow rate. This movable configuration enables precise control over molten metal flow while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the second frame member is made movable to control flow rate, then flow rate regulation is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the frame structure into separate first and second frame members, each with independent refractory plates and nozzles. This segmentation allows the second frame member to be moved independently relative to the first, enabling flow rate control without requiring complex integration. The modular segmented design simplifies the overall structure while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Productivity
If manual positioning is used, then the device remains simple, but productivity decreases due to cumbersome operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through the hinge mechanism that enables the second frame member to pivot and position itself relative to the first frame member. The hinge allows the operator to easily adjust the alignment by simply moving the second frame member, which automatically positions the refractory plate and nozzle at the desired angle. This self-positioning capability improves productivity without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.
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 control over the flow rate of molten metal by selectively aligning or misaligning the nozzle passageways and plate openings, improving operational efficiency and ease of use during casting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member including a channel having a plurality of shafts extending therefrom and through springs located in a channel in the first frame member
Implementation Method 2
The second frame member includes a plurality of rollers that ride in the channels, which bias the second frame member and plate toward the first frame member and plate when in use
Implementation Method 3
The second frame member can pivot with respect to the first frame member about the hinge to alternately position the second plate adjacent the first plate or move the second plate away from the first plate
Data Source
AI summary
A slide gate includes first and second frame members, first and second nozzles, first and second plates, a biasing member, a hinge and an actuator. The first plate is connected to the first frame member. A passageway in the first nozzle is aligned with an opening in the first plate. The second plate is connected to the second frame member. A passageway in the second nozzle is aligned with an opening in the second plate. The biasing member includes a channel having a shaft extending through a spring located in the first frame member. The spring biases a retainer and the channel toward the first frame member. The second frame member includes a portion that rides in the channel. The actuator moves the second frame member along the channel to align the nozzle passageways to allow material to flow through the slide gate.