Ceramic Kiln Assembly Modular Height Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current kiln furniture designs face challenges with instability and material limitations at high temperatures, particularly when trying to maintain flexibility in height adjustment and prevent oxidation-induced sticking between ceramic components during firing processes.
Innovation Solution
A ceramic assembly comprising a sheet-like ceramic base element and functional auxiliary elements connected via mechanical joints, such as positive and non-positive connections, or gluing, allowing for adjustable height and improved stability, with antisticking inlays to prevent oxidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate supports or spacers are used to provide distance between sheet-like members, then flexibility in changing height level is improved, but stability of the stacks and massiveness of the assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components: sheet-like members with through-holes and separate support elements that can be independently positioned and assembled. This segmentation allows flexible height adjustment while maintaining structural integrity through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Binding elements act as intermediaries connecting the sheet-like members and support elements. These binding elements provide a stable mechanical connection that maintains stack stability while allowing the overall structure to be reconfigured for different height requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If monolithic legs of different height levels are used, then adaptability to different product heights is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing monolithic legs of different heights, the support system uses standardized sheet-like members and support elements that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by using repeated standard components rather than custom-made pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from static monolithic legs to a dynamic modular system where standard components can be reconfigured for different height requirements. This allows the same components to adapt to various product heights through different assembly arrangements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If supports or spacers are used to separate kiln furniture members, then flexibility in height adjustment is improved, but ease of manipulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet-like members and support elements are merged into integrated assemblies bound together by binding elements. This merging creates stable units that are easier to manipulate as single entities rather than separate loose components, while still maintaining height adjustability through reconfigurable assemblies.
4Productivity
If SiC base elements and longitudinal supports are used at high temperature, then productivity is improved, but harmful oxidation effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The oxidation tendency of SiC at high temperatures is converted into a beneficial protective layer. The oxidation forms a glassy surface layer that actually prevents further oxidation and eliminates sticking between components, transforming the harmful effect into a protective mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical state of the SiC surface is changed through controlled oxidation, transforming the reactive SiC surface into a stable oxidized layer. This parameter change in the surface chemistry prevents sticking while maintaining the structural integrity and high-temperature performance of the components.
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 provides a stable, adjustable, and cost-effective kiln furniture system that prevents sticking and maintains structural integrity at high temperatures, enabling efficient firing of ceramic products while allowing for easy replacement and material optimization of components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one functional auxiliary element is stably connected to the base element in a mechanical way by means of a positive connection (form-fitting joint)
Implementation Method 2
and/or gluing
Implementation Method 3
the surface of the sheet-like base elements and that of the longitudinal supports tends to oxidize and thus a thin, viscous glass layer develops thereon
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 1e~2a
AI summary
The invention relates to a ceramic assembly consisting of a sheet-like ceramic base element (1) and at least one ceramic functional auxiliary element connected to the base element (1), said ceramic assembly being particularly suitable for supporting products to be fired or to be thermally treated in a kiln, as well as for providing a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant cover for the internal wall of high temperature furnace chambers. The invention is characterized in that at least one of said functional auxiliary elements is stably connected to the base element (1) in a mechanical way by means of a positive (form-fitting) connection and/or a non-positive (force-fitting) connection and/or gluing.