Adjustable Cooling Bar Slot for Uniform Metal Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling methods for metal goods, such as chilled beams, lack the ability to dynamically adjust cooling capacity during the process, leading to uneven cooling effects and mechanical properties due to fixed nozzle geometries and pressure variations, which result in inhomogeneous temperature profiles and material properties.
Innovation Solution
A chilled beam with adjustable slot geometry, allowing for real-time adjustment of the nozzle width by shifting sections with concave and convex parts, enabling variable cooling medium distribution across the material width, controlled by sensors and actuators connected to a control system for optimal cooling performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle geometry is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the cooling capacity cannot be adjusted during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle geometry is made dynamically adjustable by dividing the nozzle into multiple sections that can be shifted relative to each other. This allows the slot width to be changed during operation to adapt to varying cooling requirements, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that responds to process needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently shifted. This segmentation enables flexible adjustment of the slot width by moving individual sections, providing adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire nozzle structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the slot width is uniform across the width, then the nozzle structure is simple, but the cooling distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the nozzle are given different local geometries with varying slot widths. The central area has a greater slot width for increased cooling, while lateral areas have narrower slots. This local differentiation of geometry creates uniform cooling distribution across the material width by compensating for the natural tendency of water to drain toward edges.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle geometry cannot be changed during operation, then the device structure is stable, but the process parameters cannot be adapted
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle geometry is transformed from a static configuration to a dynamic one that can be adjusted during operation. Electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic adjustment means enable real-time modification of the slot width to adapt to changing process parameters such as material type, temperature requirements, and production speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors detect physical properties of the material being cooled and provide feedback to the control system, which then adjusts the nozzle geometry accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the nozzle configuration continuously adapts to actual process conditions, optimizing cooling performance.
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 solution allows for precise control of cooling capacity and distribution, ensuring uniform cooling and improved material properties by adjusting the nozzle geometry during operation, addressing the limitations of fixed nozzle geometries and pressure variations, and preventing clogging by flushing out impurities.
Implementation Method 1
water is usually applied to the sheet surface
Implementation Method 2
the cooling medium being applied through a slit in the chilled beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for cooling a metallic item (1) by discharging a cooling medium from a cooling bar (2) onto the item (1), wherein the cooling medium is discharged through a slot (3) in the cooling bar (2). According to the invention, in order to achieve improved cooling, during the cooling process the width (B) of the slot (3) in the conveying direction (F) of the item (1) or the cooling bar (2) is altered in order to bring the cooling power of the cooling medium to a desired or predefined level by open-loop or closed-loop control. In addition, the invention relates to a cooling bar.