Pivotable Guide Vane Air Curtain for Process Chamber Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process chambers for drying vehicle bodies face challenges in maintaining efficient thermal separation from the environment while minimizing energy consumption and preventing contamination from dust particles, especially when hot air is blown into the chamber.
Innovation Solution
A process chamber design featuring nozzles or screens that generate a fluid flow curtain using heated and compressed gaseous fluids, such as air or inert gases, which are guided along a contoured path to create a thermal barrier, adjustable to avoid damaging coatings and minimize energy loss, with a mixing chamber and secondary dead space to enhance fluid flow and prevent external air from entering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a fluid flow curtain is generated using nozzles or screens with heated and compressed gaseous fluid, then thermal separation from the environment is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating and compressing the gaseous fluid (air or inert gas) before it exits the nozzles. This pre-conditioning of the fluid increases its temperature and pressure, enabling it to create a more effective thermal barrier that reduces heat loss from the process chamber while maintaining thermal separation. The heated fluid curtain acts as an insulating layer between the hot process chamber interior and the cooler external environment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the fluid flow curtain is directed at high velocity to prevent contamination, then dust particles are blocked effectively, but the coating on workpieces may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing the high-velocity fluid flow specifically at the opening where workpieces are fed in, creating a localized protective barrier. The fluid curtain is concentrated at the critical interface between the external environment and the process chamber interior, providing maximum contamination protection at the most vulnerable point while minimizing exposure to workpiece surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fluid flow characteristics adjustable. The system can dynamically control the velocity, volume, and direction of the gaseous fluid to adapt to different operating conditions. This allows optimization of the balance between contamination prevention and coating protection by adjusting flow parameters based on workpiece position and process requirements.
3Productivity
If the process chamber is opened frequently for workpiece supply, then productivity is improved, but thermal separation and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating and pre-compressing the gaseous fluid before it is discharged through the nozzles. This preparation occurs in advance, so when the chamber opening is exposed to external air, the pre-conditioned fluid is already ready to immediately form a thermal barrier. This eliminates the thermal shock and energy loss that would otherwise occur during frequent opening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the heated and compressed gaseous fluid as a mediator between the process chamber interior and the external environment. This fluid curtain acts as a buffer zone that allows the chamber to remain open for workpiece supply while maintaining thermal separation. The intermediary fluid layer prevents direct thermal exchange between the hot interior and cool exterior.
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
This design achieves efficient thermal separation with reduced energy consumption, prevents contamination, and protects coatings by adjusting the fluid flow curtain dynamically, ensuring effective drying and hardening of vehicle body coatings.
Implementation Method 1
at least one nozzle (17, 503) for blowing in gaseous fluid or at least one screen (803) for generating a fluid flow curtain between the opening (12, 213, 6019, 804) and the receiving area (39, 711)
Implementation Method 2
efficient thermal separation of this interior space from the environment is made possible with particularly simple means
Implementation Method 3
heated and compressed gaseous fluids, such as air or inert gases
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a process chamber with an interior. In the interior there is a receiving area for workpieces. The process chamber has an opening for loading or unloading workpieces. The process chamber includes a device for injecting gaseous fluid into the interior. The device for injecting gaseous fluid includes at least one slit-shaped nozzle (603) or orifice for creating a fluid flow curtain between the opening and the workpiece receiving area. The slit-shaped nozzle (603) or baffle feeds the gaseous fluid into the interior via the ceiling (608) of the interior with a direction of flow that is inclined relative to the floor along a guiding contour. According to the invention, the guide contour is formed on a pivotable guide vane (605).