Reusable Beryllium Copper Casting Head for Compressor Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing casting processes for compressor housings in superchargers consume high energy, generate significant waste and pollution due to the use of disposable coated sand casting heads, which are inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A reusable casting device featuring a beryllium copper casting head with internal coating, integrated temperature control, and automated mechanisms for precise temperature management and operation, replacing manual processes and reducing material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a disposable coated sand casting head is used, then the casting process can be completed, but energy consumption increases and waste and pollution are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcasting head reusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the disposable coated sand casting head with a reusable metal casting head that can be recovered and reused multiple times. The casting head is designed to be durable and can withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles, thereby eliminating the need for continuous disposal and replacement of casting heads, which reduces energy consumption and waste generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the material parameter of the casting head from coated sand (disposable) to metal (reusable). This parameter change enables the casting head to withstand high temperatures and repeated use, thereby reducing energy consumption associated with manufacturing new casting heads and eliminating pollution from disposable materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If manual operation is used for casting head operations, then the process is simple, but productivity is low and precision is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecasting operation efficiencyVSAvoidautomation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention incorporates automated control mechanisms that enable the casting head to perform operations independently with minimal human intervention. The casting head is equipped with sensors and control systems that automatically adjust parameters such as temperature, flow rate, and positioning, thereby improving productivity and precision while reducing the complexity of manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If a conventional heating system is used for the casting head, then heating can be achieved, but temperature control precision is insufficient and energy efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement and control accuracyVSAvoidheating energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention incorporates a feedback control system with temperature sensors that continuously monitor the casting head temperature and adjust the heating power accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures precise temperature control, prevents overheating, and optimizes energy consumption by heating only when and where needed, thereby improving both temperature measurement accuracy and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces conventional mechanical heating systems with an induction heating system that uses electromagnetic fields to heat the casting head directly. This substitution eliminates the need for thermal contact, provides more precise temperature control, and improves energy efficiency by reducing heat loss to the surrounding environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 energy-efficient, cost-effective, and pollution-reduced casting operations by allowing rapid heating and uniform temperature control, mechanizing the casting process, and minimizing waste through the reuse of the casting head.

Implementation Method 1

The casting head made of beryllium copper is heated and maintained by the high-frequency heating ring 3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a high-frequency heater 17 is arranged nearby the casting machine so as to constitute a heating and temperature control source of the casting head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a high-frequency heater 17 is arranged nearby the casting machine so as to constitute a heating and temperature control source of the casting head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 4

a temperature probe 4 is arranged at a junction between the casting head 2 and the casting head clamping frame 5

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 5

a cooling water outlet pipe 7 of a heating ring 3 is arranged at a front end of the power input connector 9; and a loop connector 8 and a loop cable 13 are arranged at a front end of the lower heating ring bracket, and a cooling water inlet pipe 6 is arranged at a front end of the loop connector 8

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3278905B1Reusable casting device
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 WUXI LIHU PRESSURIZE TECH CO LTD
  • EP3278905B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3278905B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A reusable casting head device comprises a casting head control mechanism, a casting head mechanism and a temperature control mechanism. A gate of the casting head is sealed by the gate holder to allow that initially heated molten aluminum is rapidly heated in the casting head, thus improving efficiency; the casting head made of beryllium copper is heated and maintained by the high-frequency heating ring, thus providing a high accuracy of temperature measurement and control; and the rotating cylinder, the positioning cylinder and the reverse rotating cylinder are employed for procedure operation to intelligentize the casting operation, thus providing low production cost.