Stopper Rod Alignment via Single-Axis Telescoping Lift
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stopper rod positioning and control apparatuses for molten metal flow through nozzles rely on rotational moment arms, which complicates precision alignment and adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A stopper rod positioning and control apparatus centered on a single longitudinal axis, utilizing a lift apparatus with telescoping inner and outer tubes, ring bearings, a locking plate, and a brake assembly to achieve precise alignment and locking of the stopper rod with the nozzle, allowing for reciprocal movement along the vertical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If alignment is achieved by rotating the boom about offset longitudinal axes, then the stopper rod can be positioned, but the alignment precision is reduced and the mechanism becomes more complex due to the rotational moment arm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotational moment arm mechanism (offset axes rotation) from the alignment system. Instead of using boom rotation about offset axes, the invention directly positions the stopper rod along a single longitudinal axis, extracting the problematic rotational component and replacing it with a more direct positioning approach that improves precision while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the lift apparatus for vertical positioning, the ring bearing for rotational adjustment, and the locking mechanism for securing position. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without the complications of a coupled rotational moment arm system
2Ease of operation
If a rotational moment arm mechanism is used for alignment, then the stopper rod can be positioned, but the adjustment process becomes more complex and less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational moment arm mechanism is extracted and removed from the system. The patent replaces it with a direct single-axis positioning system where the stopper rod moves along the longitudinal axis without requiring rotation about offset axes, thereby simplifying operation while simultaneously improving alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the alignment mechanism from rotational motion about offset axes to linear reciprocating motion along a single axis. This parameter change transforms the adjustment process into a more straightforward operation that is both easier to perform and more precise
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A stopper rod positioning and control apparatus is provided for controlling the flow of a molten metal out of a bottom nozzle in a metal reservoir. The stopper rod can be aligned with the nozzle's opening by selectively rotating a pair of roller (ring) bearings that are centerline offset from each other along a first axis around which one end of an extended structural arm can pivot where the opposing end of the arm retains the stopper rod along a second axis parallel to the first axis. When the appropriate relative positions of the pair of roller bearings are located for a nozzle centered stopper rod, the second axial position of the stopper rod is fixed by retaining the appropriate relative positions with a brake mechanism. In a dual nozzle bottom pour reservoir of molten metal a separate stopper rod positioning and control apparatus is provided for each of the two nozzles while a dual nozzle assembly may be utilized to facilitate replacement of a worn nozzle or alter the distances between the centers of the two nozzles.