Drying Device Infrared Heat Source Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drying devices for elongated workpieces coated with paint or varnish in continuous processes often result in incomplete drying, leading to film formation and moisture retention, which causes bubbles and increased production costs due to longer throughput times and higher power consumption, especially with high solids content paints.
Innovation Solution
A drying device with a transport system using infrared heat sources and an air flow generating device controlled by a control system to manage steam removal and temperature, ensuring thorough drying within short residence times by regulating air flow and heat source intensity based on workpiece speed and moisture levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If infrared heat sources are used for drying, then drying speed is improved, but a vapor cloud forms in the drying area which negatively impacts further drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful vapor cloud from the drying area by introducing airflow generation devices (fans) that actively remove the steam and vapor formed during infrared drying. This allows the infrared heating to continue at high intensity while the harmful byproduct is continuously extracted, resolving the contradiction between fast drying and vapor cloud formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air flow as an intermediary substance that mediates between the infrared heat source and the workpiece. The air flow carries away the vapor cloud generated by rapid drying, allowing the infrared heating process to maintain high efficiency without being hindered by vapor accumulation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If airflow is used to remove drying steam, then vapor cloud is removed, but unintended cooling in the drying area occurs which impairs the drying process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a control device that monitors temperature in the drying area and adjusts the airflow generation accordingly. When temperature drops due to excessive air flow removing vapor, the control device reduces the air flow intensity, and when vapor accumulation occurs, it increases air flow. This feedback control resolves the contradiction by dynamically balancing vapor removal with temperature maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the air flow (velocity, volume, timing) based on the drying process requirements. By adjusting these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining constant high air flow, the system achieves effective vapor removal while minimizing unwanted cooling effects on the workpiece and drying environment.
3Manufacturing precision
If longer throughput times are used for complete drying, then drying quality is improved, but production costs and electricity consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drying mechanisms into a single integrated system: infrared radiation for rapid bulk heating, conventional heat sources for sustained drying, and controlled air flow for vapor removal. This combination achieves complete drying (removing more than 90% of water) in 20-30 seconds, resolving the contradiction between drying quality and throughput time by synergistically combining different drying approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite drying approach combining different energy sources (infrared lamps, conventional heaters) and mechanical action (air flow). This composite drying system achieves superior drying performance with reduced time compared to any single method alone, as each component addresses different aspects of the drying process simultaneously.
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
Achieves complete drying of coating layers within 20-30 seconds with 90-92% water removal, reducing condensation risks and energy consumption while maintaining a stable temperature, enabling efficient packaging of elongated workpieces like glass rock wool panels.
Implementation Method 1
The heat source preferably comprises at least one, and preferably several, infrared lamps
Implementation Method 2
a vapor cloud forms in the drying area due to the steam generated during the drying of the coating
Implementation Method 3
an airflow generation device, such as a fan, is provided to at least partially remove the drying steam from the drying area by means of an airflow
Implementation Method 4
this airflow may cause unintended cooling in the drying area. This temperature reduction may impair the drying process
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A drying device for drying layered, elongated workpieces in a continuous process has a transport device (10) for transporting the workpiece (12). Heat sources (18) are arranged in a drying chamber (20) for drying an edge or surface (16) of the workpiece. Drying steam is generated in a drying area (22) during the drying process. This steam is removed by means of an airflow (26, 44). The airflow is supplied via a feed duct (24) and fans (28). A control device (30) is provided for controlling the fans (28, 42).