Joule-Heated Glass Conduit Structure to Prevent Devitrification

Solution Overview

Problem

Devitrification of molten glass forming material occurs if the temperature falls below the devitrification temperature in the exit conduit, leading to crystalline mass formation and contamination of downstream processes.

Innovation Solution

A glass manufacturing apparatus with a conduit design that includes a concave heating member orthogonally joined to the conduit, combined with electrical flanges to maintain the temperature of the molten glass above the liquidus temperature using Joule heating, and a thermally conductive material to prevent heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If electrical flanges are used to supply large-magnitude electrical current for Joule heating of the conduit, then the molten glass can be heated to maintain suitable viscosity, but the electrical flanges act as heat-dissipating fins that cool the discharge end of the conduit, potentially causing devitrification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature of molten glassVSAvoidcooling effect at discharge end

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing insulation material at specific locations where cooling occurs. Insulation material is placed between the electrical flange and the conduit wall at the discharge end, and also in the annular space between the cooling channel and the electrical flange. This localized insulation prevents heat loss at critical areas without affecting the overall Joule heating function of the electrical flange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful cooling effect of the electrical flange into a beneficial feature by using the flange's structure to house insulation material. The electrical flange, which naturally dissipates heat, is transformed into a heat-retaining structure through the addition of insulation material in its annular space and between it and the conduit wall, thereby preventing devitrification at the discharge end.

Inventive Principle:

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the electrical flange is positioned at the discharge end to reduce Joule heating at that location, then devitrification is prevented, but excessive cooling occurs at the discharge end

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevitrification preventionVSAvoidtemperature at discharge end

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing insulation material at specific locations where cooling occurs. Insulation material is placed between the electrical flange and the conduit wall at the discharge end, and also in the annular space between the cooling channel and the electrical flange. This localized insulation prevents heat loss at critical areas without affecting the overall Joule heating function of the electrical flange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful cooling effect of the electrical flange into a beneficial feature by using the flange's structure to house insulation material. The electrical flange, which naturally dissipates heat, is transformed into a heat-retaining structure through the addition of insulation material in its annular space and between it and the conduit wall, thereby preventing devitrification at the discharge end.

Inventive Principle:

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

3Temperature

If cooling channels are provided around the electrical flange to manage heat, then overheating is prevented, but the electrical flange becomes a heat-dissipating fin that cools the conduit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature of electrical flangeVSAvoidcooling effect on conduit

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing insulation material at specific locations where cooling occurs. Insulation material is placed between the electrical flange and the conduit wall at the discharge end, and also in the annular space between the cooling channel and the electrical flange. This localized insulation prevents heat loss at critical areas without affecting the overall Joule heating function of the electrical flange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful cooling effect of the electrical flange into a beneficial feature by using the flange's structure to house insulation material. The electrical flange, which naturally dissipates heat, is transformed into a heat-retaining structure through the addition of insulation material in its annular space and between it and the conduit wall, thereby preventing devitrification at the discharge end.

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

Prevents devitrification by maintaining the molten glass temperature, ensuring homogeneous transport and preventing crystalline mass formation, thus maintaining the quality of the glass forming process.

Implementation Method 1

supplying an electrical current through the conduit between the upper electrical flange and the lower electrical flange, thereby heating conduit and molten glass forming material by Joule heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a concave heating member joined to the discharge end of the conduit... the concave heating member can be configured to conduct heat to the discharge end of the conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12612325B2Glass manufacturing apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 CORNING INC

AI summary

A glass manufacturing apparatus is disclosed including a vessel configured to convey molten glass, a conduit extending from the vessel, the conduit including a distal end with a concave heating member joined thereto, a first electrical flange joined to the conduit, and a second electrical flange joined to the concave heating member. A method of preventing devitrification of a molten glass forming material is also described.