Single-Side Electrode Heating with Four-Bar Line Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional single side heating apparatuses face challenges in achieving accurate line contact between electrodes and workpieces due to improper center of rotation, leading to heating failures and point contact instead of line contact.

Innovation Solution

A single side heating apparatus with a pair of electrodes and a four-bar linkage system that tilts the electrode holder around an axis orthogonal to the contact direction, ensuring the center of rotation is proximate to the contact portion, allowing for proper line contact without sticking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electrode is rotated by passively swinging the attachment portion in accordance with reaction force, then the electrode can adapt to workpiece surface variations, but the center of rotation is spaced apart upward from the electrode causing large rotative displacement in the extension direction which leads to one end of the line contact portion getting stuck on the workpiece

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to workpiece surfaceVSAvoidline contact accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the dimension of the rotation center from being spaced apart upward (creating large horizontal displacement) to being located at the electrode contact point (creating only vertical displacement). This dimensional repositioning of the rotation center eliminates the harmful horizontal movement component while preserving the adaptive swinging function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of spacing the rotation center upward from the electrode (conventional design), the patent inverts the approach by locating the rotation center at the electrode contact point itself. This inversion fundamentally changes the displacement characteristics from large horizontal movement to minimal vertical movement only.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the center of rotation is spaced apart upward from the electrode, then the electrode can swing passively, but the line contact portion extends significantly in the extension direction causing sticking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassive swinging capabilityVSAvoidsticking of contact portion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the rotation center to eliminate horizontal displacement component, allowing the contact portion to swing only in the vertical pressing direction. This dimensional change preserves passive swinging capability while eliminating the harmful horizontal sticking motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Extent of automation

If motor control is used to control electrode position, then electrode position can be adjusted, but it is difficult to make the line contact portion contact with the workpiece in an accurate manner

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor control capabilityVSAvoidcontact accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces motor-controlled active positioning with passive self-adjusting swinging mechanism. The electrode automatically adapts to the workpiece surface through reaction force-driven swinging, eliminating the need for complex motor control while achieving superior contact accuracy through self-service adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables continuous or spaced-apart contact portions to maintain line contact with the workpiece, preventing sticking and ensuring effective heating.

Implementation Method 1

a four-bar linkage provided between the base portion and the electrode holder and configured to rotate to tilt the electrode holder around an axis orthogonal to the one direction by a reaction force received by the electrodes from the workpiece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReaction force: Reaction (physics)

Implementation Method 2

a single side heating apparatus equipped with a pair of electrodes for heating a workpiece from one side of the workpiece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11498151B2Single side heating apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 DENGENSHA TOA CO LTD

AI summary

A single side heating apparatus equipped with a pair of electrodes for heating a workpiece is provided. The apparatus includes: a base portion; the pair of electrodes each having a contact portion configured to contact with the workpiece in one direction continuously or at a plurality of spaced-apart portions thereof; an electrode holder, to which the pair of electrodes are fixed; and a four-bar linkage provided between the base portion and the electrode holder and configured to rotate to tilt the electrode holder around an axis orthogonal to the one direction by a reaction force received by the electrodes from the workpiece. The four-bar linkage includes a first link located closer to the electrode holder, a second link located closer to the base portion, and third and fourth links. The first link is shorter than the second link, and the third link and the fourth link are equal in length.