Induction Heating Device for Annular Metal Articles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction heating devices for large-size annular metal articles, such as rolling element bearings, require multiple devices and manual hoisting, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

An induction heating device with a support frame equipped with one or more induction coils and a wheel set that travels on the surface of the metal article, using guide elements and adjustable linkages to maintain contact with both inner and outer circumferential surfaces, allowing for controlled heating without hoisting, and featuring adjustable power supply based on temperature measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple induction heating devices are used for large-size annular metal articles, then heating coverage is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to need for hoisting and manual insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating coverageVSAvoidoperational difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The induction heating device is divided into multiple independent heating units, each capable of heating a specific zone of the annular metal article. These modular units can be independently controlled and positioned, allowing comprehensive heating coverage without requiring the entire article to be inserted into a single large device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating approach transitions from vertical insertion (requiring hoisting) to horizontal surface travel. The support frame with wheels enables the heating device to move along the outer circumferential surface of the annular article, transforming the operation from a vertical dimension problem to a horizontal dimension solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If manual hoisting is used to insert articles into heating devices, then heating process is simplified, but labor intensity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating process simplicityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is equipped with driven wheels that enable the heating device to autonomously travel along the annular article's surface. This self-propelled capability eliminates the need for manual hoisting and insertion operations, allowing the device to service itself by moving into position and performing heating without human intervention for positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If induction heating is performed on large annular metal articles, then heating efficiency is improved, but uniform temperature distribution becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic system where the support frame actively travels along the annular article's surface. This movement allows the induction coils to systematically cover different zones of the article, ensuring uniform heat distribution across the entire heating area through controlled motion rather than relying on a single large stationary heating zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient and uniform heating of large annular metal articles without the need for hoisting, ensuring even temperature distribution and preventing thermal damage by regulating power supply based on temperature differences and rates of temperature increase.

Implementation Method 1

The device is adapted to induce eddy currents in a surface or surfaces of an annular metal object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 2

induction heating device for heating a rolling element bearing is disclosed... by inducing eddy currents in the metal article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

induce eddy currents in the metal article... whereby the support frame is adapted to travel on a side face of the annular metal article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10834788B2Induction heating device

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

An induction heating device comprising at least one induction coil mounted to a support frame. The support frame is adapted to travel on a surface of an annular metal article to be heated and comprises a wheel set having one or more driven wheels. The support frame is adapted to travel on a side face of the annular metal article and is provided with first guide and second guide elements, which are respectively configured to engage with an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface of the annular metal article to ensure that the support frame travels on a circular path during use of the device.