Electrode Cooling Conduit with Voltage Isolator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high voltage electrode cooling systems in material surface treatment systems are inefficient and introduce airborne particles and noise, necessitating a cleaner and more efficient cooling method.

Innovation Solution

A cooling system that uses a conduit to convey a cooling fluid through the electrode, connected to an electrical power source, with a voltage isolator providing a pathway to a reference voltage for residual electric charge, thereby reducing charge discharge and eliminating the need for air cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If large volumes of air are passed across the discharge tube at high speeds for cooling, then the electrode temperature is controlled, but airborne particles and dust are introduced into the system and excessive noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode temperatureVSAvoidairborne particles and dust

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces air cooling with liquid cooling by circulating cooling fluid through the discharge tube. The fluid flow system with pump, reservoir, and tubing delivers cooling liquid directly to the electrode, eliminating the need for high-speed air flow and thereby preventing introduction of airborne contaminants and reducing noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cooling fluid as an intermediary substance between the heat source (discharge tube) and the cooling system. This fluid acts as a heat transfer medium that absorbs heat from the electrode and carries it away, replacing the harmful air flow with a controlled liquid circulation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If large volumes of air are passed across the discharge tube at high speeds for cooling, then the electrode temperature is controlled, but excessive noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode temperatureVSAvoidexcessive noise

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical air flow system (fans, blowers) with a hydraulic cooling system. The cooling fluid circulation through the discharge tube provides heat removal without requiring high-velocity gas flow, thereby eliminating the noise associated with mechanical air moving devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If a cooling fluid is conveyed through the electrode via a conduit connected to an electrical power source, then cooling efficiency is improved, but residual electric charge on the cooling fluid must be managed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode temperatureVSAvoidresidual electric charge

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a voltage isolator as an intermediary component between the electrified cooling fluid system and the reservoir. This isolator prevents direct electrical contact while allowing thermal energy transfer, enabling the cooling fluid to be electrified for improved cooling efficiency while managing residual charge safely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful residual electric charge on the cooling fluid into a beneficial effect by electrifying the cooling fluid as it passes through the discharge tube. The electrified fluid enhances heat transfer efficiency, and the voltage isolator manages the charge to prevent hazards, thereby converting a potential problem into a performance advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 system effectively maintains electrode temperature control, reduces noise and airborne contamination, and supports higher electrical outputs while allowing for easy maintenance and operation in controlled atmospheres.

Implementation Method 1

a conduit conveys a cooling fluid through the electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a voltage isolator disposed between the conduit and a reservoir, with the voltage isolator to provide a pathway to a reference voltage for residual electric charge from the cooling fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11871537B2Cooling system for a material surface treatment system

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure describes systems and methods to provide electrode cooling for material surface treatment systems. A cooling fluid is employed to cool electrodes with a high voltage applied. For example, a conduit conveys a cooling fluid through the electrode, as the conduit also provides electrification for the electrode by being connected to an electrical power source. Further, cooling is implemented by use of a voltage isolator disposed between the conduit and a reservoir, with the voltage isolator providing a pathway to a reference voltage for residual electric charge from the cooling fluid passing through the voltage isolator.