Grid Workpiece Carrier With Edge Fixation for High-Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grid-type workpiece carriers lack a stable and material-saving design that allows for secure fixation and versatile use in high-temperature processes while maintaining accessibility from multiple sides.
Innovation Solution
A grid-type workpiece carrier composed of plank-like grid elements with slits that intersect and form a grid, where secure mechanical fixation is achieved only at peripheral second grid elements, allowing the first grid elements to engage and retain the second elements from above and below, using a substance-to-substance bond like welding or adhesive bonding, and featuring workpiece support areas for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If all grid elements are mechanically secured at every intersection, then the stability and strength of the grid structure is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and material consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The grid structure is segmented into peripheral regions (where mechanical fixation is applied) and inner regions (where engagement suffices). This segmentation allows the structure to achieve sufficient stability through selective fixation rather than universal mechanical securing, reducing overall complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different fixation qualities are applied to different locations: strong mechanical fixation (welding/adhesive bonding) is applied locally at the peripheral grid elements, while the inner grid elements rely on the engagement mechanism. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between stability and manufacturing complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a solid plate design is used for the workpiece carrier, then the structural stability is improved, but the material consumption and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a solid plate, the structure is segmented into a grid of intersecting plank-like elements with spaces between them. This segmentation maintains structural stability for workpiece support while dramatically reducing material consumption compared to a solid plate design.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid structure creates a porous or open framework that provides sufficient mechanical stability for workpiece carrying while minimizing material usage. The interconnected plank elements form a stable structure with significant void space, reducing material consumption compared to solid plate alternatives.
3Reliability
If peripheral grid elements are mechanically secured, then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying mechanical fixation to all grid elements (excessive action), fixation is applied partially only to the peripheral elements. This partial action provides sufficient reliability for the structure's function while significantly improving manufacturing efficiency by reducing the number of fixation operations required.
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 solution provides a stable, lightweight, and adaptable workpiece carrier resistant to high temperatures and chemicals, allowing for secure fixation and support of workpieces during various fabrication steps like hardening and cleaning, with the ability to absorb mechanical and thermal stress.
Implementation Method 1
The notches of the first and second grid elements have the form of slits, for example, and engage in one another in such a way that the first and second grid elements intersecting one another form a grid
Implementation Method 2
the mechanically secure fixation may be a welded joint, especially a spot-welded joint
Implementation Method 3
or an adhesive bond
Implementation Method 4
the ability to absorb mechanical and thermal stress
Implementation Method 5
Steel, which permits the use of the workpiece carrier at up to 1200 degrees Celsius
Implementation Method 6
The workpiece carrier may be used for various fabrication steps, such as hardening, cleaning and transport
Data Source
AI summary
A grid-type workpiece carrier includes parallel strip-type first grid elements having recesses, and strip-type second grid elements arranged transverse to the first grid elements and having recesses, wherein the recesses of the first and second grid elements engage in one another in such a way that the crossing first and second grid elements form a grid, wherein the first grid elements are mechanically securely fixed to second grid elements that are arranged in an edge region on opposing sides of the grid.