Composite Grate Bar with Ceramic Front Section

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rust components in waste incineration and cement clinker processes face challenges with high thermal and mechanical loads, requiring materials that are both durable and cost-effective.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight, inexpensive rust tab with a front section made from fire-proof mineral materials, such as ceramic or high-fired concrete, which is designed to withstand high thermal and mechanical loads by minimizing tensile stress through bolt attachment and incorporating gas lines for cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional rust components are used in waste incineration, then material costs are low, but the components cannot withstand high thermal and mechanical loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to thermal and mechanical loadsVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The grate bar is constructed as a composite structure combining ceramic material for the front section (exposed to high thermal and mechanical loads) and metal material for the rear section (structural support and attachment). This composite design allows each material to be used where it provides the most benefit, resolving the contradiction between durability and cost by applying expensive ceramic only where absolutely necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If ceramic materials are used for the front section, then durability under thermal loads is improved, but tensile stress resistance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal load resistanceVSAvoidtensile stress
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The grate bar is divided into two distinct sections: a ceramic front section that withstands thermal and compressive loads, and a metal rear section that provides tensile strength and structural support. The connection between these segments is designed to optimize force distribution, allowing the ceramic portion to handle compression from above while the metal portion handles tensile stresses from below and lateral forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Weight of moving object

If the front section is made lightweight, then ease of installation is improved, but structural strength under mechanical loads is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefront section weightVSAvoidmechanical load resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The grate bar employs local quality by using ceramic material with optimized density and structural properties specifically in the front section where thermal resistance is critical, while the rear section uses metal material with different properties optimized for structural support. This localized material selection allows the front section to be lightweight yet thermally resistant, while the overall structure maintains sufficient mechanical strength through the metal rear section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 durable, cost-effective rust tab that can withstand high thermal and mechanical loads, with extended service life and reduced material costs due to the use of ceramic materials and efficient cooling mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating gas lines for cooling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 2

The front section comprises a refractory mineral material. For example, the front section can be made of or comprised of refractory or highly refractory concrete, preferably ceramic. These materials make the front section resistant to thermal, mechanical, and chemical influences, such as heat, abrasion, or corrosion.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefractory material resistance: Refractory Material

Data Source

PatentEP3870898B1Grate bar for stepped grate
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 ALITE GMBH
  • EP3870898B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3870898B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3870898B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a grate bar front section and a matching grate bar rear section and to a grate bar comprising the grate bar front section and/or the grate bar rear section. By releasably connecting the grate bar front section to the grate bar rear section, manufacture and maintenance costs can be reduced.