Automatic Sublance Probe Handling Using External Laser Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual plugging and unplugging of probes in metallurgical automatic sublances is labor-intensive and risky due to harsh working conditions, such as high temperatures and dust.
Innovation Solution
A method using external sensors, specifically a laser distance sensor mounted on a drive device's end-effector, to detect and accurately position the automatic sublance, allowing a gripper to plug or unplug the probe automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual plugging and unplugging of probes is performed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity and operational risks increase due to harsh working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of probe plugging and unplugging with an automated robotic system. A robot arm equipped with a gripper performs the plugging and unplugging operations, while a laser distance sensor automatically detects and tracks the position of the probe. This substitution eliminates the need for manual intervention in harsh metallurgical environments, significantly reducing labor intensity and operational risks while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the probe plugging/unplugging process to perform itself through automated detection and execution. The laser distance sensor continuously monitors the probe position, and the control system automatically adjusts the robot arm's movements to achieve precise positioning and execution of plugging/unplugging operations without human intervention, making the system self-sufficient in harsh environments.
2Extent of automation
If automated probe plugging/unplugging is implemented, then labor intensity is reduced, but system complexity increases requiring modifications to existing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser distance sensor as an intermediary detection device that bridges the gap between the existing probe system and the automated robotic system. This sensor serves as a mediator that provides position information to the control system without requiring modifications to the probe itself or the existing metallurgical equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the detection function from the execution function. The laser distance sensor handles detection and position tracking independently, while the robot arm with gripper handles the physical plugging and unplugging operations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture by avoiding the need for integrated complex systems.
3Measurement precision
If external sensors are used for detection, then accuracy of plugging/unplugging is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an optical-based laser distance sensor. This sensor uses light emission and reflection principles to achieve precise distance and position measurement without mechanical contact, providing high measurement accuracy while maintaining system simplicity through non-contact detection methodology.
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 method enhances the stability and accuracy of the plugging/unplugging process without requiring improvements to the existing automatic sublance, thus reducing labor intensity and operational risks.
Implementation Method 1
mounting a laser distance sensor on an end-effector of a drive device
Implementation Method 2
driving the laser distance sensor by the drive device to scan the automatic sublance
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in the present invention is a method for plugging/unplugging a probe of a metallurgical automatic sublance. A laser distance sensor is mounted on an end-effector of a drive device; the drive device drives the laser distance sensor to scan the automatic sublance according to setting areas; position and orientation information of the automatic sublance is calculated by a calculation unit; according to the position and orientation information of the automatic sublance, a gripper on the end-effector implements a process of plugging/unplugging the probe of the automatic sublance. According to the present invention, an existing automatic sublance does not need to be improved, and only external sensors need to be used for plugging/unplugging detection, so that the plugging/unplugging process can be accurately carried out.