Ceramic-Coated Heat Shield Recess for Induction Welding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Induction welding requires precise temperature control to prevent surface burning while maintaining a melting temperature at the bond line between workpiece members, but existing technologies struggle to effectively manage temperature distribution between the induction welding coil and workpiece.

Innovation Solution

An induction welding assembly comprising an induction welding coil, a heat shield with a ceramic coating, and a workpiece zone, where the heat shield is disposed between the coil and the workpiece to provide a controlled welding path, using a mica heat shield with a ceramic coating that is non-conductive to electromagnetic fields and has a heat resistance greater than 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a heat shield is introduced to prevent surface burning, then surface temperature control is improved, but the welding path and coil positioning become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface temperatureVSAvoidwelding path complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shield is segmented with a recess that divides the shield surface, allowing the induction coil to be positioned in a specific zone. This segmentation enables the coil to be spaced from the workpiece while maintaining effective heating at the bond line, resolving the contradiction between surface protection and welding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heat shield with recess acts as an intermediary component between the induction coil and the workpiece. It mediates the thermal energy transfer by blocking direct heating of the surface while allowing controlled heating at the bond line through the recess area, thus preventing surface burning without compromising welding quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If the induction coil is spaced from the workpiece to prevent surface burning, then surface temperature control is improved, but the electromagnetic field strength at the bond line decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface temperature controlVSAvoidelectromagnetic field strength
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shield features a recess that creates a local zone with different thermal and electromagnetic properties. In this recess area, the shield allows electromagnetic field penetration and concentrated heating at the bond line, while the surrounding elevated areas block field penetration to protect the surface. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between field strength and surface protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If a ceramic coating is applied to the heat shield for heat resistance, then thermal protection is improved, but the material selection and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shield is constructed as a composite structure combining a base material (such as metal or ceramic) with a ceramic coating layer. This composite construction provides the necessary heat resistance and thermal protection while maintaining structural integrity. The coating can be applied through standard industrial processes, balancing performance requirements with manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 ensures efficient temperature management, preventing surface burning and maintaining a consistent melting temperature at the bond line, thereby enhancing the induction welding process by isolating the workpiece from excessive heat and maintaining structural integrity during the welding process.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field non-conduction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The ceramic coating may have a heat resistance greater than 900 degrees Fahrenheit (482°C)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

induction welding requires enhanced temperature control to prevent the top surface of the workpiece from burning, while maintaining a melting temperature at the bond line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction heating: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4282627A1Ceramic coating heat shield for induction welding
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 ROHR INC
  • EP4282627A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4282627A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4282627A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An assembly is provided for induction welding. This assembly utilizes a heat shield (e.g., a mica heat shield) (322) with a recess (324). An induction welding coil (312) may be disposed within this heat shield recess (324) during induction welding operations. The wall thickness of the heat shield (322) within the recess (324) may be reduced to enhance heat transfer to a workpiece during induction welding operations. The heat shield (322) may be coated with a ceramic coating (809) to enhance the heat shield's heat resistance and reduce heat shield flaking at the recess during induction welding operations.