Spring-Loaded Bearing Ring for Casting Stream Protective Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of protective devices for pouring streams in continuous steel casting is complex, requiring high-precision rotation and manual attachment of spring elements, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when switching between different casting devices.
Innovation Solution
A protective device with a spring element attached to the bearing ring in an articulated manner, allowing longitudinal displacement and fastening to a dedicated fastening means, which includes a drive system (hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical cylinders) and a releasable latch, simplifies handling by eliminating the need for manual attachment and enabling use on various casting devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bayonet fitting is used to attach the bearing ring to the holder, then the connection is secure, but the operation requires highly precise rotation and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the bearing ring around a vertical axis as in conventional bayonet fittings, the patent inverts the attachment approach by using a linear displacement mechanism where the spring element moves horizontally to engage with the fastening means, eliminating the need for precise rotational alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spring element as an intermediary component between the bearing ring and the fastening means. This spring element acts as a mediator that translates simple linear motion into the engagement action, replacing the complex rotational bayonet fitting operation
2Reliability
If a handling device with complex control and monitoring is used to attach the protective device, then the attachment is reliable, but the control and monitoring requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is designed to automatically engage with the fastening means through its own elastic force, eliminating the need for external control systems. The spring's inherent mechanical properties provide the attachment function without requiring complex control or monitoring infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electromechanical control systems with a pure mechanical spring-based attachment mechanism. The spring element's elastic deformation and recovery provide the necessary attachment and release functions without electronic controls or monitoring systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual attachment of the spring element is required, then the attachment is flexible, but the operation is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to automatically adapt to different fastening means positions. The spring's elastic properties enable it to flexibly engage with various fastening configurations while maintaining consistent attachment force, eliminating the need for manual adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element performs the attachment function autonomously through its elastic force, eliminating manual intervention. The spring automatically engages with the fastening means and maintains the connection without requiring operator skill or attention, thereby increasing productivity while preserving adaptability
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
This solution significantly simplifies the handling process, reduces the need for complex control and monitoring, and allows the same spring element to be used across different casting devices, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by automating the attachment and detachment of the pouring stream protection tube.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element presses the bearing ring against the pouring cone
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a protective device for a casting stream issuing from a casting apparatus, having: a casting stream protective pipe (3); a bearing ring (1) that engages around the casting stream protective pipe (3) at an upper inlet end, wherein a collar of the casting stream protective pipe (3) rests on the bearing ring (1); and a fastener (20) for the bearing ring (1), said fastener being provided on the casting apparatus, wherein a spring element (6) fastened to the fastener (20) presses the bearing ring (1) against the casting taper (28). The invention further relates to a method for holding a casting stream protective pipe (3) on a casting apparatus, wherein a bearing ring (1) engages around the casting stream protective pipe (3) at an upper inlet end and a collar of the casting stream protective pipe (3) rests on the bearing ring (1), and wherein, by means of a handling device, the bearing ring (1) with the casting stream protective pipe (3) is fastened to a fastener (20) attached to the casting apparatus in such a way that a spring element (6) fastened to the fastener (20) presses the bearing ring (1) against the casting taper (28). To simplify handling of the protective device, according to the invention the spring element (6) is attached to the bearing ring (1) in such a way that is can be displaced in a longitudinal direction (7).