Electrical Flange Support Assembly for Thermal Expansion Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of supporting electrical flanges on metallic vessels used in glass manufacturing apparatuses, which are prone to damage due to their weight and thermal expansion, necessitates a support system that accommodates movement and maintains electrical isolation.

Innovation Solution

An electrical flange support apparatus comprising a support bracket assembly with a clamping member and adjustment assembly, coupled to the electrical flange, allowing movement during startup and securing at steady-state, along with an electrode bracing assembly using a bracing rod with an electrically isolating spacer to maintain separation and prevent deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electrical flange is rigidly attached to the metallic vessel, then the electrical flange is securely supported, but the flange cannot accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the vessel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure support of electrical flangeVSAvoidaccommodation of thermal expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support bracket assembly is designed to be movable during heat-up and cool-down cycles, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the metallic vessel. The bracket can be secured at operational temperatures to provide stable support when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support bracket assembly is positioned and adjusted before the metallic vessel is heated, allowing it to accommodate the expected thermal expansion movements. The bracket is configured in advance to move with the flange during temperature changes, preventing stress buildup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If the electrical flange is made thicker to provide adequate support, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight increases and may damage the thin-walled metallic vessel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength of electrical flangeVSAvoidweight of electrical flange

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A separate support bracket assembly is introduced as an intermediary structure to provide mechanical support for the electrical flange. This bracket is independently supported on the enclosure rather than relying on the flange's own structural strength, allowing the flange to be thinner and lighter while still being adequately supported.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support function is segmented from the electrical flange itself. The flange focuses on its primary function of electrical connection, while the separate support bracket assembly handles the mechanical support function, allowing optimization of each component for its specific purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the support bracket assembly is made movable to accommodate thermal expansion, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability and electrical isolation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement capability during heat-upVSAvoidelectrical isolation and stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support bracket assembly operates in periodic cycles: movable during heat-up and cool-down phases to accommodate thermal expansion, then secured during steady-state operation to provide stable electrical isolation. This periodic transition between movable and fixed states resolves the contradiction between adaptability and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 effectively supports electrical flanges, preventing damage from thermal expansion and ensuring electrical isolation, thereby maintaining the integrity and functionality of the glass manufacturing apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

The electrical current heats the metallic vessel by Joule heating, which in turn heats the molten glass therein.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

delivering an electrical current to the metallic vessel through two or more electrical flanges attached to and in electrical communication with the metallic vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

because the metallic vessel can expand and contract with temperature changes, for example during a heat-up or cool-down cycle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS12606477B2Assembly for supporting an electrical flange in a glass manufacturing apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 CORNING INC

AI summary

Apparatus for conveying molten glass includes an electrical flange attached to a metallic vessel and an electrical flange support apparatus coupled to an electrode portion of the electrical flange and configured to prevent distortion of the metallic vessel and misalignment between the metallic vessel and an adjacent metallic vessel. A bracing assembly is also disclosed.