Green Ceramic Monolith Handling via Vertical Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for processing green ceramic monoliths often result in shape distortion due to horizontal processing, and there is a need for improved methods and apparatuses to support green ceramic monoliths in various orientations during processing.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a lifting apparatus with support prongs and a support tray with ridges and grooves, allowing for the transfer of support from the lifting apparatus to the support tray, enabling the green ceramic monoliths to be oriented vertically for processing, thereby minimizing shape distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If green ceramic monoliths are processed in horizontal orientation, then the processing can be performed with simple equipment, but shape distortion occurs in the parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal processing orientation to vertical processing. The support tray with ridges and grooves, combined with the lifting apparatus, enables green ceramic monoliths to be processed in a vertical orientation. This inversion eliminates shape distortion while maintaining equipment simplicity, as the vertical orientation provides better gravitational support during drying and processing operations.
2Device complexity
If green ceramic monoliths are supported with simple lifting apparatus, then the device complexity is low, but the support stability during orientation transfer is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the support tray with ridges and grooves - that mediates between the lifting apparatus and the green ceramic monolith during orientation transfer. The ridges engage with grooves on the monolith, providing stable support and precise positioning during the transition from horizontal to vertical orientation, thereby enhancing reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system for handling green ceramic monoliths that includes a lifting apparatus including a body and at least two support prongs that extend from the body, the at least two support prongs configured to support a green ceramic monolith thereon. The system also includes a support tray that receives the green ceramic monolith from the lifting apparatus and includes a base, a plurality of ridges, and a plurality of grooves, wherein each of the plurality of grooves is spaced apart from an adjacent groove by one of the plurality of ridges. The system further includes an actuator coupled to the lifting apparatus, wherein the actuator is operable to manipulate the lifting apparatus to engage the support tray and thereby transfer support of the green ceramic monolith from the at least two support prongs of the lifting apparatus to the plurality of ridges.