Laser Heating Sleeve for Precise Round Bar Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating technologies for strand-cast and strand-pressed round rods and round bolts, such as gas-powered furnaces, are inefficient, dependent on fossil fuels, and lack the precision and energy efficiency required for climate-neutral and cost-effective industrial processes.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a laser-based heating system with a means of heat transfer, such as a heat transfer sleeve or cuff, to absorb optical radiation and convert it into heat, which is then conducted to the rod, allowing for localized and efficient heating with reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If gas-fired furnaces are used for heating round bars, then the required temperatures and sufficient heat output can be achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates and dependence on fossil fuels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical combustion system (gas-fired furnace) with an optical system (laser device). The laser device emits optical radiation that is converted to thermal energy through absorption by the round bar, eliminating the need for fossil fuel combustion while achieving the required heating effect and improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies localized heating using a laser device that can target specific regions of the round bar. This allows precise temperature control at the heating location without unnecessarily heating the entire bar or surrounding environment, thereby improving energy efficiency while achieving the required forming temperature.
2Loss of energy
If electric heating elements are used in industrial furnaces, then climate neutrality is improved, but costs per kW of heating output increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electric heating elements with a laser-based optical system. This substitution maintains climate neutrality by eliminating fossil fuel combustion while reducing energy costs through the high efficiency of laser-to-thermal energy conversion and the ability to apply heat directly to the workpiece without heating large furnace volumes.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional gas furnaces are used, then heating of large volumes of material is achieved, but operating and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses localized laser heating instead of heating large furnace volumes. This approach reduces operating costs by consuming less energy and simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need to maintain and clean large furnace chambers, while still effectively heating the required quantity of material through sequential or parallel processing.
4Loss of energy
If localized and direct-acting heating concepts are used, then energy savings are achieved, but handling complexity and service life concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a laser device with optical delivery system that provides localized heating. The system achieves energy savings through direct energy transfer to the workpiece while managing complexity through automated positioning systems and control algorithms that coordinate the laser movement and heating parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective coating or absorptive layer as an intermediary between the laser radiation and the round bar surface. This intermediary enhances the absorption of optical radiation, improving heating efficiency while allowing the use of standard laser equipment and simplifying the overall system design.
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 device achieves efficient and precise heating of long cylindrical rods, reducing energy requirements and operating costs while providing a climate-neutral and industrially viable solution, with the ability to maintain high precision in temperature control across the length of the rods.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer means configured to absorb optical radiation emitted by the laser device and convert it into heat
Implementation Method 2
the heat transfer means is in contact with the bar for heat transfer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for heating continuously cast and extruded round bars and round bolts, in particular a device for laser-based heating of such elements by means of absorption of optical radiation via a heat transfer means. A device (100) according to the invention for heating continuously cast and extruded round bars and round bolts (S) comprises a bar guide (10) for transporting a bar (S) through the device (100); a laser device (20) for heating the bar (S) by means of absorption of optical radiation; and a heat transfer means (30) configured to absorb optical radiation emitted by the laser device (20) and convert it into heat, wherein the heat transfer means (30) is in contact with the bar (S) for heat transfer.