Ceramic-Coated Heat Shield Recess for Induction Welding Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Induction welding requires precise temperature control to prevent the top surface of the workpiece from burning while maintaining a melting temperature at the bond line between adjacent workpiece members.

Innovation Solution

An induction welding assembly comprising a heat shield with a ceramic coating that is a non-conductor of electromagnetic fields, positioned between the induction welding coil and the workpiece, and a heat shield recess aligned with the welding path to manage temperature and protect the workpiece.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a heat shield is positioned between the induction welding coil and the workpiece, then temperature control is improved and surface burning is prevented, but the welding assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidwelding assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A heat shield comprising a ceramic coating is positioned between the induction welding coil and the workpiece to act as an intermediary element. The heat shield manages temperature by blocking excessive radiant heat from reaching the workpiece surface while allowing the welding process to proceed at the bond line, thus preventing surface burning without requiring complex active cooling systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat shield features a recessed portion that creates a localized zone between the coil and workpiece. This recessed geometry concentrates the electromagnetic energy and heat at the bond line area while protecting the surrounding surface areas, providing spatially differentiated thermal management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the heat shield recess is aligned with the welding path, then welding precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding precisionVSAvoidheat shield geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shield includes a recessed portion with specific geometric features (sidewalls and base) that are precisely aligned with the welding path. This localized geometric modification creates a controlled electromagnetic field distribution and heat concentration zone exactly where welding occurs, improving weld quality without requiring complex adjustments to the entire system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The recessed portion of the heat shield may include curved or contoured surfaces that follow the welding path geometry. This curvature allows the heat shield to adapt to different workpiece shapes and welding trajectories, maintaining precise alignment and consistent thermal management throughout the welding process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Temperature

If the ceramic coating heat resistance is increased, then temperature management capability is improved, but the material selection and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat resistanceVSAvoidcoating application complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shield comprises a ceramic coating applied to a substrate, creating a composite structure. The ceramic coating provides high heat resistance and thermal management properties, while the substrate provides structural support. This composite approach allows selection of materials optimized for their respective functions, achieving high temperature capability without requiring a single complex material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The ceramic coating may be applied in layers with varying thicknesses or compositions to optimize thermal performance. By controlling coating parameters such as thickness, porosity, and material composition, the heat shield can be tailored to specific temperature requirements while maintaining manufacturability through standard coating processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ceramic-coated heat shield effectively manages temperature, preventing surface burning and ensuring consistent melting at the bond line, enhancing the induction welding process.

Implementation Method 1

the ceramic coating may be a non-conductor of an electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field blocking: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

the ceramic coating may have a heat resistance greater than 900 degrees Fahrenheit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

An induction welding assembly may comprise an induction welding coil, a heat shield (e.g., a mica heat shield), and a workpiece zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12434321B2Ceramic coating heat shield for induction welding
Publication Date: 2025.10.07 ROHR INC
  • US12434321B2 patent drawing
  • US12434321B2 patent drawing
  • US12434321B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An assembly is provided for induction welding. This assembly utilizes a heat shield (e.g., a mica heat shield) with a recess. An induction welding coil may be disposed within this heat shield recess during induction welding operations. The wall thickness of the heat shield within the recess may be reduced to enhance heat transfer to a workpiece during induction welding operations. The heat shield may be coated with a ceramic coating to enhance the heat shield's heat resistance and reduce heat shield flaking at the recess during induction welding operations.