Cooling Beam Run-on Prevention via Pressurized Fluid Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooling beams with J-shaped coolant outlet pipes experience 'run-on' issues, where coolant continues to flow after supply is switched off, affecting production efficiency and consistency, and existing mechanical solutions are costly and prone to wear.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a pressurized fluid into the coolant chamber abruptly to interrupt coolant supply to the outlet pipes, preventing run-on by increasing pressure and ensuring faster idling, thus maintaining maximum coolant within the beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If J-shaped coolant outlet pipes are used in cooling beams, then coolant can be applied to the strip-shaped product, but coolant continues to flow after supply is switched off due to suction effect (run-on)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the J-shaped curved section from the coolant outlet pipe, using only straight sections. This extraction of the curved portion eliminates the suction effect that causes run-on, while maintaining the pipe's ability to deliver coolant during operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a curved J-shape that creates suction, the patent inverts the approach by using exclusively straight pipe sections connected at angles, which eliminates the suction effect and prevents run-on while achieving the same coolant delivery function
2Reliability
If mechanical control devices such as shielding elements or shut-off devices are used to prevent run-on, then coolant flow can be controlled, but wear, susceptibility to errors, and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control devices (shielding elements, shut-off devices, perforated plates) with a purely geometric solution - straight coolant outlet pipes with specific angular connections. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and maintenance while achieving reliable run-on prevention through the pipe configuration itself
Solution Approach 2:
The straight pipe configuration serves its own function of preventing run-on through its geometry, eliminating the need for separate mechanical control devices. The structure itself provides the control function, reducing complexity and maintenance requirements
3Ease of manufacture
If straight coolant outlet pipes with inlet openings in upper region are used, then run-on occurs until air volume forms, but this delays cooling cycle times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different angular configurations to different sections of the straight coolant outlet pipes, optimizing local flow characteristics to prevent run-on while maintaining ease of manufacture. The specific angular connections create flow separation that prevents suction effect without requiring complex air volume formation
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 solution enhances cooling accuracy, reduces downtime, and improves process stability and productivity by preventing coolant overflow and ensuring consistent coolant application.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a pressurized fluid into the coolant chamber (3) abruptly. This interrupts the coolant supply from the coolant chamber (3) to the individual coolant outlet pipes (4) with the pressure surge
Implementation Method 2
several coolant outlet pipes (4) interconnected with the coolant chamber (3) for applying a cooling liquid to the ribbon-shaped product
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (1, 15, 18, 25) for cooling a strip-shaped product, comprising at least one cooling bar (2, 26) having a coolant chamber (3, 27) and a plurality of coolant outlet pipes (4, 28) which are connected to the coolant chamber (3, 27) for communication therewith and are intended for applying a cooling fluid (22) to the strip-shaped product. In order to increase the precision of cooling a strip-shaped product and to achieve this cooling in a cost-effective manner, the apparatus (1, 15, 18, 25) comprises at least one device (5) for introducing a pressurised fluid into the coolant chamber (3, 27) in an intermittent manner.