Elastic Kiln Cart Support Fixation for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional kiln cart support systems face difficulties in aligning supports, particularly in the vertical direction, and are prone to loosening due to thermal expansions, which can damage ceramic materials and fail to attenuate shocks during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sleeve and adjustment means, featuring elastic pressure elements that compensate for thermal expansions and allow for simple alignment, using threaded bolts and pressure plates to maintain secure fixation and prevent loosening, enabling easy movement and alignment of kiln runs within the kiln.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional steel receivers with threaded bolts are used to fixate supports, then the support can be clamped tight on all sides, but the fixation becomes loose after few kiln cycles due to thermal expansions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing elastic elements (springs) that preemptively compensate for thermal expansion forces before they can cause loosening. The elastic elements are pre-installed in the steel receivers to absorb expansion stresses during heating cycles, preventing the threaded bolts from becoming loose over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the fixation system by replacing rigid threaded bolt connections with a hybrid system combining elastic elements and threaded bolts. The elastic elements provide continuous adaptive pressure that compensates for thermal parameter changes (expansion/contraction) during kiln cycles, maintaining reliable fixation throughout the duration.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple threaded bolts are adjusted to align supports vertically, then precise alignment is achieved, but the alignment process becomes very difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alignment function from the fixation function. The steel receivers are designed with predetermined geometric relationships and built-in alignment features that automatically guide support positioning. This separates the alignment task (handled by the receiver geometry) from the fixation task (handled by the elastic elements and bolts), eliminating the need to manually coordinate multiple bolts for alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The steel receivers are designed to be self-aligning through their geometric configuration and built-in features. The receivers automatically guide the supports into correct vertical alignment through their structural design, eliminating the need for operator intervention to coordinate multiple bolts. The system performs alignment automatically during the fixation process.
3Strength
If rigid support structures are used in kiln carts, then structural strength is maintained, but shocks during transportation are transmitted directly to the kiln run and ceramic products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating elastic elements (springs) into the steel receivers that preemptively absorb shock energies before they can reach the kiln run. These elastic elements are pre-positioned to act as shock absorbers during transportation, protecting the ceramic products from impact forces while maintaining structural integrity.
4Temperature
If ceramic supports are used in kiln carts, then fire resistance is achieved, but the supports are sensitive to tension and bending loads from shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material principles by creating a hybrid support system where ceramic supports (providing fire resistance) are combined with metallic steel receivers (providing shock resistance). The steel receivers act as protective housings that absorb mechanical shocks, while the ceramic supports maintain thermal stability during firing. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its superior properties without suffering from its weaknesses.
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 device facilitates easy alignment and secure fixation of kiln runs, preventing loosening and shock transmission, ensuring the stability and longevity of ceramic products during firing and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
additionally comprises a at least one pressure means formed by at least one element with elastic effect, which is preloaded through the impact of the adjustment means, and thereby builds up reversal forces against the support
Implementation Method 2
these kiln cycles cause thermal expansions in the support, in the steel receiver, and in the bolts through heating and cooling
Implementation Method 3
the device shall attenuate shocks to the kiln cart, relative to the kiln cart superstructure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for supporting, stacking and transporting kiln run, in particular, when firing ceramic products, comprising an assembly from supports and support beams, in particular carrier beams, cross beams, large plates or similar, on which, in particular, one or several supports for placing kiln run are provided. The device comprises at least one substantially rectangular sleeve, in particular disposed on a kiln cart. In this sleeve a substantially rectangular support of the support assembly is disposed, wherein the sleeve has at least one adjustment means, which is supported in the sleeve, and which can be pressed against the support, wherein the sleeve additionally comprises at least one pressure means, formed from at least one elastic element, which is preloaded through the impact of the adjustment devices, so that it builds up reversal forces against the support.