Flexible Heater Cable Connection With Integrated Explosion Proofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating cable connections in flexible heaters for semiconductor manufacturing facilities are prone to disconnection due to high temperature and moisture, leading to potential explosions and increased manufacturing costs due to unnecessary lengthening of the power supply line for insulation, and leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A heating cable connecting device with an explosion-proof device and insulating device is provided to thermally and electrically insulate the power supply line, using magnesium oxide powder to form shielding members and reduce the length of the cooling section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply line is extended to provide insulation and cooling, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connecting device as an intermediary component between the heating cable and terminal unit. This device includes a first case with explosion-proofing structure, a second case with insulating structure, and a third case with cooling structure. By consolidating multiple functions (explosion-proofing, insulation, cooling) into a single integrated connecting device, the power supply line length is reduced while maintaining connection reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the insulation section is extended to 1m or more for insulation and cooling, then the safety is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to unnecessary length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate protective functions (explosion-proofing, insulation, cooling) into a single integrated connecting device. The first case provides explosion-proofing, the second case provides insulation, and the third case provides cooling, all within one compact assembly. This consolidation reduces the overall length from 1m or more to a much shorter integrated structure, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different protective qualities to different locations of the connecting device. The explosion-proofing structure is applied where thermal and electrical hazards exist, insulation is applied where electrical isolation is needed, and cooling is applied where heat dissipation is required. This localized application of protective measures optimizes safety while minimizing material usage and cost.
3Ease of operation
If the power supply line is exposed to high temperature and moisture, then the installation simplicity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to disconnection and short circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connecting device into three distinct cases, each handling a specific environmental challenge. The first case (explosion-proofing) protects against thermal and electrical hazards, the second case (insulation) protects against moisture and electrical isolation, and the third case (cooling) manages heat dissipation. This segmentation allows each component to address specific reliability issues without complicating the overall installation process.
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
Prevents disconnection and explosion risks while minimizing maintenance costs by effectively insulating and cooling the power supply line, reducing the cooling section length compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating device configured to insulate an opposite end of the connecting cable to connect the opposite end of the connecting cable to an opposite end of a lead wire
Implementation Method 2
reducing the length of the cooling section
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a heating cable connecting device and a flexible heater employing the same, in which the heating cable connecting device insulates a heating cable applied to a flexible heater to connect the heating cable to a terminal unit and includes an explosion-proofing device configured to be connected to one end of a connecting cable by explosion proofing one end of the heating cable, and an insulating device configured to insulate an opposite end of the connecting cable to connect the opposite end of the connecting cable to an opposite end of a lead wire having one end connected to the terminal unit. The explosion-proofing device and the insulating device are provided on inside and outside surfaces of the flexible heater, respectively, so that a power supply line can be thermally and electrically insulated.