Slide Metal Frame Drive Unit Coupling Position Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coupling position switching mechanisms for sliding nozzle apparatuses are complex, prone to misalignment, and require multiple drive units, leading to increased costs and reliability issues in transmitting driving force smoothly to the slide metal frame.
Innovation Solution
A simplified mechanism using a coupling portion with a separator that divides the coupling space into two chambers, allowing the rod head to switch between coupling states by inserting and pulling out the separator, ensuring reliable and balanced transmission of driving force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coupling position switching mechanism using a guide piece and extension guide is employed, then the coupling position can be switched, but the structure becomes complex and the transmission of driving force becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portion is divided into multiple chambers (first coupling chamber and second coupling chamber) separated by a separator. The rod head can be coupled in different chambers to achieve coupling position switching. This segmentation approach simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex guide pieces and extension guides while maintaining the switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A separator is introduced as an intermediary element that divides the coupling space into distinct chambers. The separator enables the rod head to be positioned in different chambers, achieving coupling position switching without requiring complex guide structures. The separator acts as a simple mediator that facilitates position switching while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two types of drive units with different strokes are used for casting operation and surface pressure applying/releasing operation, then the specific requirements of each operation are met, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions by coupling the rod head in different chambers of the coupling portion. During casting operation, the rod head is coupled in the second coupling chamber providing a longer stroke. During surface pressure applying/releasing operation, the rod head is coupled in the first coupling chamber providing a shorter stroke. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for two separate drive units, reducing cost while maintaining operation-specific performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is made dynamic by allowing the rod head to be switched between different chambers based on the operational requirements. The separator can be moved to configure the coupling space, enabling the single drive unit to adapt its effective stroke length dynamically. This dynamic reconfiguration allows one drive unit to replace two fixed-stroke drive units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling position switching means is inserted and removed frequently, then the coupling position can be changed, but misalignment and reliability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling space is segmented into multiple chambers by a separator, allowing the rod head to be coupled in different chambers without requiring insertion and removal of switching means. This segmentation enables reliable position switching by simply moving the separator, eliminating the misalignment issues associated with frequent insertion and removal of coupling position switching means.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator serves as an intermediary element that facilitates coupling position switching by dividing the coupling space. Instead of inserting and removing the rod head or switching means, the separator is moved to reconfigure the chambers. This intermediary approach maintains reliable coupling while enabling position switching, as the separator provides a controlled mechanism for changing coupling positions without misalignment risks.
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 mechanism simplifies operations, prevents misalignment, and ensures smooth and reliable transmission of driving force, reducing the need for multiple drive units and complex guide structures, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the sliding nozzle apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a separator (4) to be inserted into the coupling space (6) thereby dividing the coupling space (6) into a first coupling chamber (61) and a second coupling chamber (62)
Implementation Method 2
there has been known a technique of applying and releasing the surface pressure by means of sliding movement (sliding displacement) of the slide metal frame. That is, this technique is configured to cause a spring to be deformed by using a driving force during sliding movement of the slide metal frame.
Data Source
AI summary
A simplified and downsized coupling position switching mechanism capable of transmitting reliably and smoothly the driving force of the drive unit to the slide metal frame to switchably change a coupling position between the slide metal frame and the drive unit in the sliding nozzle apparatus. A coupling portion in the slide metal frame protrudes on the side of the drive unit and allows a rod head of the drive unit to be coupled thereto, and the coupling portion has a coupling space allows the rod head to be disposed movably in a sliding direction of the slide metal frame. A separator is inserted into the coupling space to divide the coupling space into first and second coupling chambers in the sliding direction of the slide metal frame. The coupling portion has a fitting section for allowing the separator to be fitted thereinto when it is inserted into the coupling space.