Apparatus method for locating, controlling geometry, and managing stress of hot tops for metal castings

Abstract

A method and apparatus used to achieve alignment during mold assembly and accommodate thermal expansion comprising employing a compressible region and a modified interface dimension.

1 . A hot top mold assembly system, comprising:
 a hot top and a mold, said hot top including a dimension creating a locational clearance fit between the hot top and the mold, the hot top including a collar configured to mate with an end of the mold and a depending edge configured to interface with an internal wall of the mold, wherein the edge includes a deformable feature to improve alignment during assembly of the hot top with the mold and accommodate thermal expansion.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The hot top of  claim 1  wherein the deformable feature includes elements intended to fracture from the hot top or is a compressible component to allow for thermal expansion. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The hot top of  claim 4  wherein the feature is an O-ring disposed in a gland, shoulder, or a groove. 
     
     
         7 . The hot top of  claim 4  wherein the compressible component comprises materials with either small bulk moduli or high elasticity. 
     
     
         8 . The hot top of  claim 4  wherein the compressible component is at least one of ceramic, rubber, and polymer. 
     
     
         9 . The hot top of  claim 4  wherein the compressible component deflects at a pressure below 65 kPa 
     
     
         10 . The hot top of  claim 4  wherein the compressible component deflects at a pressure below 50 kPa. 
     
     
         11 . The hot top of  claim 4  wherein the compressible component deflects at a pressure below 35 kPa. 
     
     
         12 . A hot top for use in a hot top mold assembly system, the hot top comprising:
 a hot top configured to create a locational clearance fit between the hot top and a mold, the hot top including a annular wall configured to penetrate an opening of the mold assembly, a collar extending radially from an intersection with the annular wall, the collar configured to engage an end surface of the opening of the mold, wherein the annular wall further comprises a feature to restrain or locate a compressible component of the hot top.   
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The hot top of  claim 12  wherein the feature is a gland, shoulder, or a groove. 
     
     
         15 . The hot top of  claim 12  wherein the compressible component comprises materials with either small bulk moduli or high elasticity. 
     
     
         16 . The hot top of  claim 12  wherein the compressible component is at least one of ceramic, rubber, and polymer. 
     
     
         17 . The hot top of  claim 12  wherein the compressible component deflects at a pressure below 65 kPa. 
     
     
         18 . The hot top of  claim 12  wherein the compressible component deflects at a pressure below 50 kPa. 
     
     
         19 . The hot top of  claim 12  wherein the compressible component deflects at a pressure below 35 kPa. 
     
     
         20 . The hot top of  claim 12  wherein the compressible component provides centering of the hot top and accommodates thermal expansion. 
     
     
         21 . The hot top of  claim 12  wherein the compressible component includes elements intended to fracture from the hot top to allow for thermal expansion. 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . (canceled)