Torque Limiter Electrode Push Assembly for Furnace Misalignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for applying a pushing force to electrodes or electrode banks in melting furnaces are insufficient, particularly for larger and heavier configurations, leading to risks of misalignment and equipment damage, especially when operated by less-experienced personnel.
Innovation Solution
A push assembly with a torque limiter is used to apply a pushing force to the cold face of the electrode, featuring a frame, shafts, pusher actuators, contact mechanisms, and a master actuator connected through a torque limiter to prevent excessive rotational force and minimize equipment damage due to misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the electrode bank size and mass are increased to extend the useful life of the melting furnace, then the electrode length can be increased, but the risk of misalignment increases and the pushing force application becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A push assembly with a torque limiter is introduced as an intermediary device between the operator and the electrode bank. The torque limiter acts as a mediator that allows application of pushing force while preventing excessive torque from causing misalignment or damage, thus resolving the contradiction between increased electrode size and alignment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiter changes the parameter of rotational force by limiting it to a predetermined maximum value. This parameter control allows safe operation with larger electrode banks by preventing excessive torque that would cause misalignment, while still enabling the necessary pushing force for electrode advancement
2Ease of operation
If a pushing force is applied to misaligned electrodes to advance them, then the electrode can be repositioned, but equipment damage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-configured with a predetermined torque limit. When excessive torque is applied during electrode repositioning, the torque limiter disengages automatically, preventing damage to the equipment while still allowing the electrode to be repositioned through controlled pushing force
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of excessive torque causing equipment damage is converted into a benefit through the torque limiter. The device uses the excessive torque signal as a trigger for its protective disengagement mechanism, transforming what would be a harmful force into a controlled operation that protects the equipment while maintaining repositioning capability
3Force
If existing push devices are used on larger electrode banks, then the pushing force can be applied, but the devices are insufficient and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter serves as a critical intermediary component between the push device and the electrode bank. It mediates the force application by allowing sufficient pushing force for electrode advancement while simultaneously protecting against excessive forces that would cause equipment damage, thus improving both force application capability and equipment safety
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for pushing an electrode into a glass melting vessel can include a frame, a shaft, a pusher actuator, a contact mechanism, a master actuator, and a torque limiter. The contact mechanism can be attached to the shaft. The pusher actuator can be mounted to the frame and configured to cause translation of the shaft and the contact mechanism relative to the frame. The master actuator can be operatively connected to the pusher actuator such that operation of the master actuator causes operation of the pusher actuator. The torque limiter can be operatively connected between the master actuator and the pusher actuator, and can be configured to disengage when a rotational force on the master actuator exceeds a predetermined amount.