Fibrous Mat Oven Sensor Mechanism for Precise Curing Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ovens used for curing fibrous mats with alternative, 'green' binders face challenges in precise temperature control due to narrower curing temperature ranges, leading to degraded mechanical properties of the final product.
Innovation Solution
An oven with a measurement system comprising a sensor mounted on a conveyor that moves transversely for precise temperature measurement, connected via a mechanical transmission system and actuation system, allowing accurate curing control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ovens with multiple heating boxes are used for curing green binders, then the mat can be heated, but the temperature control precision is insufficient leading to degraded mechanical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical temperature sensing (thermocouples in heating boxes) with a contactless measurement system using electromagnetic radiation (infrared or microwave sensors) to detect temperature inside the mat. This substitution enables precise temperature measurement without physical contact, allowing better control within the narrow curing range of green binders and preventing degradation of mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of sensors mounted on the conveyor that detect temperature through the mat material. This intermediary system provides real temperature data from within the mat to the control system, enabling precise regulation of curing temperature and avoiding both insufficient curing and overheating that would degrade mechanical properties
2Reliability
If green binders with narrower curing temperature ranges are used, then environmental performance improves, but temperature control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors mounted on the conveyor continuously measure the actual temperature inside the mat during curing. This real-time feedback is sent to the control system which adjusts the heating power of individual heating boxes to maintain temperature within the narrow curing range of green binders, significantly improving curing control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the oven system dynamic by enabling independent control of multiple heating boxes along the conveyor line. Each heating box can be individually adjusted in real-time based on feedback from temperature sensors, allowing the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions and maintain precise temperature control throughout the curing process
3Manufacturing precision
If temperature regulation is tightened for green binders, then curing quality improves, but measurement system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system with sensors mounted on the conveyor that detect temperature inside the mat without requiring complex internal instrumentation. The sensors act as intermediaries between the heating system and the control system, providing real temperature data that enables precise curing temperature control while keeping the overall system relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical temperature measurement systems (such as embedded thermocouples requiring physical access and wiring) with contactless electromagnetic sensing. This substitution simplifies the measurement system while enabling more precise temperature monitoring inside the mat, as the sensors can read temperature through the material without physical contact
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 provides robust and durable temperature measurement within the mat, ensuring precise curing and maintaining the mechanical integrity of the product.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor mounted on said first conveyor and adapted to move in a transverse direction between a retracted position inside the conveyor and a measurement position inside the mat
Implementation Method 2
the binder present throughout the thickness of the mat is brought progressively to a temperature above its curing temperature
Implementation Method 3
the sensor is connected by a mechanical transmission system to a finger protruding from a lateral side of the first conveyor
Implementation Method 4
the actuation system comprises at least one contact surface located facing said lateral side of the conveyor and adapted to cooperate with said finger during its movement in the forward direction
Implementation Method 5
a series of boxes supplied with hot air coming from burners and circulated by fans
Implementation Method 6
hot air coming from burners and circulated by fans
Implementation Method 7
a specific heat treatment which causes the polymerization (or 'curing') of the thermosetting resin of the binder
Data Source
AI summary
An oven for heating a fibrous mat includes a first conveyor for conveying the mat in a forward direction, and a measurement system inside the mat, including a sensor mounted on the first conveyor and adapted to move, in a transverse direction of the mat, between a first retracted position inside the conveyor and a measurement position inside the mat under the effect of an activation system, the measurement system being such that the sensor is connected by a mechanical transmission system to a finger projecting on a lateral side of the first conveyor, and the activation system includes at least one contact surface located facing the lateral side of the conveyor and adapted to engage with the finger, when it moves in the forward direction in order to move the sensor from its retracted position to its measurement position by the mechanical transmission system.