Magnetic Rod Temperature Management Apparatus for Clean Furnaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature management apparatuses for furnaces, such as freeze drying furnaces, face challenges in maintaining uniform temperature distribution and cleanliness due to heat and dust generation from sliders and driving mechanisms, which can affect the quality of processed articles, especially for sensitive items like pharmaceuticals and precision parts.
Innovation Solution
A temperature management apparatus utilizing rod-shaped members and opposite members made of magnetic materials, where the driving force is transmitted through magnetic forces in a non-contact manner, keeping the driving devices outside the temperature-controlled space to minimize heat and dust generation, and using guide rings with low friction materials to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a heater and cooler are disposed close to each other on the transfer table, then the temperature can be quickly changed, but condensation occurs between the heater and cooler due to temperature difference
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating member is introduced as an intermediary between the heater and cooler to prevent direct thermal interaction. This mediator blocks the temperature gradient that causes condensation while allowing both heating and cooling functions to operate effectively in close proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The space between the heater and cooler is segmented by dividing it into multiple regions using insulating members. This segmentation creates isolated thermal zones that prevent condensation formation while maintaining the ability to rapidly change temperatures in each zone independently.
2Temperature
If the back surface of the transfer table is heated, then the table surface temperature increases, but the heater contacts the table surface causing safety issues and inefficient heat utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The heating approach is changed from direct contact (0D/1D) to radiant heating through the table surface (2D/3D). The heater is positioned to radiate heat through the transparent or translucent table material, eliminating contact while maintaining effective heating of the table surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The table surface itself acts as an intermediary medium between the heater and the process materials. Heat is transmitted through the table material rather than requiring direct heater contact, improving both safety and heat distribution efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If a large-sized heater is used to heat the entire table surface, then heating area is sufficient, but the heater cannot be disposed close to the table surface due to safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system transitions from contact-based heating to radiant heating through the table surface. This allows the heater to be positioned at a safe distance while still achieving uniform heating across the entire table surface through radiant heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating mechanism changes from conductive heating (requiring close contact) to radiant heating (allowing distance). This parameter change in heat transfer mode enables the heater to maintain a larger distance from the table while still providing sufficient heating area coverage.
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 solution effectively reduces heat and dust generation within the furnace, maintaining a uniform temperature and cleanliness, thereby ensuring the quality of articles processed and preventing contamination from foreign matter.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating member extending from the cooler to the other side of the heater in the direction away from the process materials
Implementation Method 2
a heater extending from the transfer table surface in a direction toward the process materials
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
This temperature management apparatus is provided with: a temperature management furnace 1 having a space in which an article 5 is disposed and temperature is managed; bar-like members 2A, 2B containing a magnetic material; facing members 3A, 3B, each of which faces a part of the side surface of each of the bar-like members 2A, 2B, and contains a magnetic material; a drive apparatus 4A, which rotates the bar-like member 2A about the center axis, and changes the relative positions of the bar-like member 2A and the facing member 3A; a drive apparatus 4B, which rotates the bar-like member 2B about the center axis, and changes the relative positions of the bar-like member 2B and the facing member 3B; and a contact member 6, which moves in the temperature management furnace 1 in association with changes of the relative positions of the bar-like members 2A, 2B, and the facing members 3A, 3B, and which moves the article 5 by being in contact with the article 5. The drive apparatuses 4A, 4B are disposed outside of the space in which temperature is managed.