Center Heating Element for Vacuum Furnace
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum heat treating furnaces with center heating elements require separate power supplies and multiple penetrations in the furnace wall, limiting design flexibility and preventing the use of larger workloads due to a fixed arrangement.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum heat treating furnace design where the center heating element is connected to the power source through lateral heating elements, eliminating the need for separate power terminals and thermocouples, and featuring removable fasteners for easy reconfiguration to accommodate different workload sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a center heating element is provided with its own dedicated power terminals and separate power supply, then the heating element can be independently controlled, but the power supply requirements become more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply for the center heating element with the existing lateral heating element power supply system. The center heating element is electrically connected to the lateral heating elements, allowing a single power supply to energize all heating elements in the array, thereby eliminating the need for separate power terminals and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral heating elements serve dual functions: they provide heating for the lateral regions and simultaneously act as power transmission conduits to the center heating element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated power infrastructure for the center element, reducing device complexity while maintaining operational capability
2Ease of operation
If separate power terminals and control thermocouples are provided for the center heating element, then temperature control is achieved, but more penetrations in the furnace wall are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature control function into the existing lateral heating element system. The center heating element shares the same control infrastructure as the lateral elements, eliminating the need for separate control thermocouples and power terminals that would require additional furnace wall penetrations
3Stability of the object's composition
If the center heating element arrangement is fixed in place, then structural stability is maintained, but the furnace cannot accommodate larger-size workloads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heating element array into modular components that can be independently configured. The center heating element can be positioned, removed, or reconfigured based on the specific workload requirements, allowing the furnace to adapt to different sizes of workloads while maintaining structural stability through the support member system
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element arrangement transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The center heating element can be adjusted or removed as needed, allowing the furnace to accommodate varying workload sizes while the support member structure maintains stability during operation
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 design reduces power supply complexity, eliminates unnecessary penetrations, and allows for the handling of various workload sizes by enabling the center heating element to be easily removed and reconfigured, enhancing operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element array positioned inside said hot zone enclosure... a source of electric power for energizing the heating element array
Implementation Method 2
the center heating element radiates heat toward the inside-facing surfaces of the workloads while the peripheral heating elements radiate heat toward the outside-facing surfaces of the workloads
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vacuum heat treating furnace for the heat treatment of metal parts includes a pressure vessel (12) and a hot zone enclosure (14) that defines a hot zone (16) therein. A heating element array inside the hot zone enclosure includes a first heating element (24), a second heating element (26), and a center heating element (28). The first and second heating elements are suspended on opposing sides of the hot zone enclosure. The center heating element is suspended vertically from the hot zone enclosure between the first and second heating elements. The center heating element is adapted to be connected to the first and second heating elements to form a continuous circuit therewith. The center heating element may be connected to the first and second heating elements with removable/reusable fasteners (62a, 62b) to provide for reconfiguration of the hot zone to accommodate different size workloads.