Laminated Iron Core Heating Sequence to Limit Thermal Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for heating laminated iron cores result in deformation due to thermal expansion, such as warpage or undulation, as the inner and outer peripheral portions are heated simultaneously, lacking an escape for deformation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving N heating units aligned circumferentially, heating regions of the laminated iron core at different timings, with controlled switching operations to absorb thermal expansion by unheated regions, and optionally rotating the core or heating units to create heated and unheated areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the entire inner peripheral portion of the laminated iron core is heated substantially at the same time, then heating efficiency is improved, but deformation such as warpage or undulation occurs due to thermal expansion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidshape accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device divides the heating process into multiple segments by providing multiple heating units (first, second, third heating units) positioned at different locations. These heating units heat different regions of the laminated iron core at different times, preventing simultaneous heating of the entire inner peripheral portion. This segmentation approach maintains heating efficiency while avoiding uniform thermal expansion that causes warpage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating units operate in a periodic sequence rather than simultaneously. The control unit activates heating units one after another in a predetermined sequence, creating a periodic heating pattern. This periodic action allows each heated region to expand into unheated regions, preventing accumulation of thermal stress and deformation while maintaining overall heating efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of time

If heating units are arranged to heat all regions simultaneously, then processing time is reduced, but deformation occurs due to lack of escape place for thermal expansion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidshape accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heating process is segmented into multiple sequential operations with multiple heating units working in rotation. Although not all regions are heated simultaneously (which would reduce processing time), the segmented approach with overlapping heating cycles maintains efficient processing while allowing thermal expansion escape paths in unheated regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system dynamically adjusts which regions are heated at any given moment by sequentially activating different heating units. This dynamic approach creates moving boundaries between heated and unheated regions, providing continuous escape paths for thermal expansion while maintaining overall processing efficiency through rapid sequential heating.

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

Reduces deformation in the laminated iron core by providing escape paths for thermal expansion, effectively heating the core's surface while minimizing heat transfer to deep portions and joint areas, thus maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

heating N regions of the laminated iron core that face the N heating units with the N heating units

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the inner peripheral portion tends to thermally expand outward in a radial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP4692379A1Method for manufacturing laminated iron core and heating device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 MITSUI HIGH TEC INC
  • EP4692379A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4692379A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4692379A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a laminated iron core includes: arranging N heating units in the laminated iron core such that the N heating units are aligned in a circumferential direction of the laminated iron core, where N is a natural number of two or more; and heating N regions of the laminated iron core that face the N heating units with the N heating units. The heating includes switching operation of the N heating units from one to less than N at a time.