Molten Metal Sliding Gate Actuator Locking for Fast Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide closures for vessels containing molten metal lack automated installation and removal capabilities for their linear actuators, complicating the process before and after casting.
Innovation Solution
A locking device actuated by a linear actuator interacts with a holder to securely fix or release the actuator, allowing precise positioning and independent operation during casting, utilizing a hydraulic cylinder with a main piston and additional piston for locking and unlocking, and a programmable control unit for centralized control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the linear actuator is manually installed and removed from the holder, then the assembly process becomes simple and straightforward, but the installation and removal operations become time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs installation and removal operations automatically without human intervention. The robotic end effector autonomously couples the linear actuator to the slide unit, positions it in the holder, actuates the locking device, and later removes it after casting. This self-service approach eliminates manual labor while maintaining process simplicity through automated sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic end effector prepares and positions the linear actuator before installation, and maintains it in a ready state between operations. The coupling mechanism is pre-positioned on the end effector, and the actuator is held in a removable state until needed, enabling rapid automated installation without complex real-time adjustments.
2Reliability
If the linear actuator is securely locked in the holder during casting, then the actuator remains stable and positioned precisely, but the actuator cannot be easily removed after casting
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically based on the casting cycle phase. During casting, the locking device engages to secure the actuator in the holder. After casting completes, the locking device disengages automatically, enabling easy removal. This dynamic state change is controlled by the programmable control unit that monitors casting progress.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is temporarily engaged during the casting operation to ensure stability, then discarded (unlocked) when no longer needed. The linear actuator is recovered and removed from the holder after casting completes, ready for the next operation cycle. This temporary engagement and release pattern optimizes both stability during operation and ease of removal afterward.
3Extent of automation
If a separate locking device is added to the holder, then the linear actuator can be automatically locked and unlocked, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is integrated into the holder structure as a unified assembly rather than separate components. The locking mechanism shares structural elements with the holder, and the actuation system is combined with the holder's mounting features. This merging reduces the number of discrete parts while maintaining automated locking and unlocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder structure serves multiple functions: it mounts the linear actuator, provides the locking mechanism, and interfaces with the robotic end effector. The locking device is designed to work with the holder's existing structural features, making the holder a multi-functional component that reduces overall system complexity despite adding automated locking capability.
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 automated and precise installation/removal of the linear actuator, maintaining independent coupling and discharge regulation without impairing the actuator's functions, enhancing operational efficiency and simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder which is provided with a main piston driving the drive rod and an additional piston
Data Source
AI summary
Sliding gate for a vessel containing molten metal includes a slide housing, a slide unit guided longitudinally in the slide housing and having a push rod, a mounting and a linear drive removably fastened in the latter and has a drive rod. This drive rod can be connected to the push rod by a coupling. The coupling is designed such that, when the linear drive has been pushed into the mounting, it automatically couples by movement of the drive rod towards the slide unit, while it uncouples when the linear drive is removed from the mounting transversely in relation to the direction of movement of the drive rod. A locking device is actuated by the linear drive and interacts with the mounting, by means of which the linear drive after being pushed into the mounting is fixed in the latter and can be unlocked again before it is removed.