Sliding Closure Plates Automatic Centering Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fireproof closure plates in sliding closures used for molten metal containers experience high wear and tear, requiring frequent replacement and labor-intensive manual adjustment of the slide lock.
Innovation Solution
An adjusting device in the slide housing automatically clamps and centers the closure plates when the slide unit is clamped, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and ensuring proper alignment, preventing tilting and incorrect clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment of the slide lock is used, then the closure plates can be replaced, but the operation becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The slide unit is designed to automatically center and clamp the closure plates through its own movement and positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual adjustment operations while maintaining proper alignment and clamping force
Solution Approach 2:
The slide unit performs preliminary positioning and centering of the closure plates before the actual clamping operation, so that when the plates are inserted, they are already in the correct position and only need to be secured, not manually adjusted
2Reliability
If manual clamping of closure plates is performed, then the plates can be secured, but incorrect manipulations may occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic centering mechanism ensures that the closure plates are positioned correctly by the slide unit itself, eliminating human error in positioning and clamping operations, thereby improving reliability without increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automatic mechanical positioning system that uses the slide unit's movement to automatically center and clamp the plates, removing the need for manual manipulation while ensuring consistent accurate positioning
3Manufacturing precision
If closure plates are clamped before the slide unit is secured, then the plates can be fixed, but tilting and improper positioning may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The slide unit is designed so that its movement and positioning actions automatically perform the centering function before clamping occurs, ensuring proper alignment is achieved as part of the natural sequence of operation without requiring separate control steps
Solution Approach 2:
The centering and clamping functions are merged into a single integrated action of the slide unit, where the same mechanical movement that secures the slide unit also automatically centers and positions the closure plates, eliminating the need for separate positioning operations
Data Source
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AI summary
A sliding closure for a vessel containing a molten metal has a slide housing (11) and a slide unit (12) that is longitudinally displaceable with respect thereto, in each of which at least one refractory closure plate (13, 14) is insertable. Said closure plates (13, 14) can be pressed against one another in that the slide unit (12) is braced against the slide housing (11). The closure plates (13, 14) can be fixed or centred therein in each case by means of a setting device (30) having a displaceable positioning element (33). These setting devices (30) are each formed such that, when the slide unit (12) is braced with the slide housing (11), setting of the positioning element (33) and thus clamping in or centring of each particular closure plate (13, 14) therein is brought about as it were. Thus, despite easier operation, increased operational reliability is ensured because the closure plates are mechanically clamped or centred.