Tiltable Metallurgical Vessel Fixing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metallurgical vessels face challenges in reliable fixation and release due to thermal expansions, leading to difficulties in securing and separating the vessel from the support ring, especially in high-temperature applications like stainless steel production, resulting in reduced productivity and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A tiltable metallurgical vessel with at least three brackets and pins, where the support ring has corresponding receiving openings allowing radial movement, and a floatingly mounted locking device ensures secure fixation and release by accommodating thermal expansions without constraining forces, using a wedge and cylinder mechanism for easy alignment and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the metallurgical vessel is fixed rigidly to the support ring, then the connection is strong and stable, but thermal expansion causes deformation and makes release difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device incorporates a floating mounting mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment. The locking device can move radially within the support ring, enabling it to adapt to thermal expansion of the vessel while maintaining secure locking. This dynamic capability allows the system to remain strong during operation while facilitating easy release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the locking mechanism. The floating mounting allows the locking device to change its radial position in response to thermal expansion, maintaining effective engagement without rigid constraints. This parameter change enables the connection to remain strong while accommodating dimensional changes.
2Device complexity
If manual screws are used to secure the vessel, then the structure is simple, but release requires manual intervention and cooling time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical screw operation with an automated locking mechanism. The floating mounting system works with the wedge-shaped pin to automatically maintain secure engagement during thermal expansion, and allows for rapid release without manual intervention. This substitution eliminates the need for manual screw loosening and cooling等待 time.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device performs its own adjustment function through the floating mounting mechanism. As the vessel expands thermally, the locking device automatically adjusts its position radially within the support ring, maintaining secure engagement without external intervention. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for manual operation during both locking and release phases.
3Length of stationary object
If the support ring is positioned close to the vessel, then the structure is compact, but thermal expansion causes contact and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The floating mounting creates a dynamic system where the locking device can move radially to accommodate the distance changes caused by thermal expansion. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliable connection despite the vessel expanding away from the support ring, preventing both contact deformation and loss of connection.
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
The solution enables reliable and efficient fixation and release of the metallurgical vessel, minimizing downtime and safety risks by allowing for thermal expansion compensation, thus enhancing productivity and safety during operations.
Implementation Method 1
When heated, the diameter of the metallurgical vessel expands, leading predominantly to radial shifting of the brackets and thus of the pins
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the subject area of metallurgical systems, in particular a metallurgical vessel which is fixed on a support ring. The object of the invention is to provide a metallurgical vessel having a support ring and a method for fixing and releasing, which prevents constraint forces. The tiltable metallurgical vessel having a round cross-section is at least partially surrounded by a support ring. The support ring is at a distance from the metallurgical vessel in the radial direction. The metallurgical vessel has at least three brackets, each having a respective pin. The support ring has at least three receiving openings which receive the pins. These receiving openings permit a shifting of the pin in the radial direction. The pins are secured against falling out of the receiving opening and the bracket by at least three locking devices floatingly mounted and arranged inside the support ring.