Apparatus and method for controlling the temperature of workpieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heat-sensitive components of conveying devices in temperature control apparatuses for vehicle bodies are vulnerable to damage from excessively high and low temperatures, as existing passive heat shields are complex, costly, and impractical for use in surface treatment plants.

Innovation Solution

An active cooling and/or heating system is integrated into the intermediate floor between the temperature control tunnel and the tunnel tube, allowing for controlled temperature regulation of the tunnel tube, thereby protecting the running gear from extreme temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a passive heat shield is used to protect the running gear from high temperatures, then the running gear is protected from thermal damage, but the structure becomes too complex and costly to produce

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of running gear from thermal damageVSAvoidstructural complexity of heat shield

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical passive heat shield structure with a fluid-based thermal management system. Cooling channels are integrated into the intermediate floor to circulate cooling medium, which actively removes heat from the tunnel tube and running gear components, substituting complex mechanical insulation with a controllable fluid circulation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cooling medium as an intermediary substance that absorbs and transports heat away from the running gear. The cooling medium circulates through channels in the intermediate floor, acting as a thermal mediator between the hot temperature control tunnel and the sensitive running gear components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the intermediate floor is designed as a passive heat shield, then thermal protection is provided, but the connecting device must be lengthened resulting in unfavorable leverage ratios and strong swaying of the workpiece carrier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal protection of running gearVSAvoidstability of workpiece carrier

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical solution of thickening the intermediate floor with a fluid-based cooling system. By integrating cooling channels into the intermediate floor structure, thermal protection is achieved without increasing the physical thickness, thereby maintaining the original leverage ratios and stability characteristics of the monorail system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If the tunnel tube is exposed to temperatures up to 240°C, then workpiece temperature control is achieved, but heat-sensitive components of the running gear suffer damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control capability for workpiecesVSAvoidintegrity of heat-sensitive components

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the thermal management into distinct zones: the temperature control tunnel maintains high temperatures for workpiece processing, while the tunnel tube and running gear operate in a cooled zone. The intermediate floor with integrated cooling channels creates a thermal boundary that separates these two temperature regimes, allowing independent temperature control for each functional zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling medium circulating through the intermediate floor acts as a thermal intermediary that blocks heat transfer from the temperature control tunnel to the running gear. This intermediary cooling system maintains the necessary temperature gradient, enabling workpiece heating while protecting sensitive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively shields the running gear from temperatures above 240°C, maintaining components within a safe range, reducing the risk of damage and allowing for efficient conveyance of workpieces through temperature control zones.

Implementation Method 1

the intermediate floor, at least in some regions, is equipped with an active cooling and/or heating system in order to control the temperature of the tunnel tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11486641B2Apparatus and method for controlling the temperature of workpieces

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 EISENMANN GMBH

AI summary

An apparatus for controlling the temperature of workpieces, in particular of vehicle bodies, has a temperature-control tunnel, a traction chamber and an intermediate floor which is arranged between the temperature-control tunnel and the traction chamber and which has a connection passage. The apparatus includes a conveying device for conveying the workpieces in the temperature-control tunnel, wherein the conveying device has at least one conveying carriage with a running gear and has a workpiece carrier for holding the workpieces of which the temperature is to be controlled. The running gear is arranged in the traction chamber and is connected by a connecting device, which projects through the connection passage of the intermediate floor, to the workpiece carrier arranged in the temperature-control tunnel. To control the temperature of the traction chamber and thus adequately protect the running gear against heat or cold, the intermediate floor is equipped at least in regions with an active cooling and/or heating means.