Gas-Bearing Workpiece Support for Uniform Thermal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal processing systems face issues with non-uniform heating and contamination of workpieces due to mechanical friction and shadow casting by shafts and ball bearings, which affect the quality of thermal treatment processes.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece support system utilizing a rotor with bearing pads that direct gas flow to control the position and rotation of the rotor, eliminating the need for shafts and ball bearings, thereby providing centering force and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional centering mechanisms (ball bearings and shafts) are used to support and rotate workpieces, then mechanical support and rotation are achieved, but mechanical friction and shadowing effects occur leading to contamination and uneven heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical centering mechanisms (ball bearings and shafts) with a gas-bearing system. Gas is introduced through passages in the support structure to create a floating effect that centers the rotor without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates mechanical friction and shadowing effects, preventing contamination and ensuring uniform heating of the workpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using gas flow through bearing passages to create a gas bearing that supports and centers the rotor. The gas pressure generated through the passages provides the necessary lift and centering force, replacing mechanical contact with a non-contact pneumatic system that avoids friction and shadowing.
2Measurement precision
If gas-bearing pads are positioned closer to the periphery than the center of the rotor, then precise centering control is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning gas-bearing pads at specific locations closer to the periphery of the rotor rather than uniformly distributing them. This strategic placement of bearing pads at peripheral regions provides more effective centering control and stability for the rotor, optimizing the local bearing characteristics where they are most needed for rotational support.
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 ensures uniform heating and reduces contamination by eliminating mechanical friction and shadow effects, enhancing the quality of thermal treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the bearing pads define one or more passages configured to direct gas flowing therethrough onto the rotor to control a position of the rotor along a first axis and a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis
Implementation Method 2
one or more of the bearing pads define at least one additional passage configured to direct gas flowing therethrough onto the rotor to control rotation of the rotor about the first axis
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece support for a thermal processing system is provided. The workpiece support includes a rotor configured to support a workpiece. The workpiece support further includes a gas supply. The gas supply can include a plurality of bearing pads. Each of the bearing pads can be positioned closer to a periphery of the rotor than a center of the rotor. Each of the bearing define one or more passages configured to direct gas onto the rotor to control a position of the rotor along a first axis and a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. Furthermore, one or more of the bearing pads define at least one additional passage configured to direct gas onto the rotor to control rotation of the rotor about the first axis.