Modular Heat Trace Assembly for Conduits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric heat trace systems for conduits in semiconductor processing systems are cumbersome to install and replace, providing non-uniform heating due to their stiffness and requiring custom-made components, which increases inventory and maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular heat trace assembly with preformed heat trace sections and connectors that can be easily secured to conduits, featuring a curved design with locking edges for self-locking and a thermal insulation jacket with standoffs and passageways to enhance heat transfer and reduce heat loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heat trace cables are fastened to conduits with bands or retaining straps, then the heating function is provided, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating functionVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The heat trace assembly is divided into modular segments that can be pre-fabricated and then quickly connected to conduits. Each module includes integrated fastening features that eliminate the need for separate bands or retaining straps, allowing rapid installation while maintaining reliable heating function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening mechanism is merged with the heat trace cable structure itself, creating an integrated assembly where the heating element and fastening components form a single unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate fastening operations, reducing installation time while ensuring secure attachment and consistent heating performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If custom-made heat-traced pipes are used to expedite replacement, then installation speed improves, but inventory space and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplacement speedVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Standardized heat trace modules are designed to be universally compatible with multiple conduit sizes and configurations. These universal modules can be stocked in advance and quickly adapted to different replacement scenarios, achieving fast replacement speeds without requiring custom-made components for each specific application, thereby reducing inventory requirements and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat trace modules incorporate adjustable or adaptable parameters such as flexible length configurations, variable fastening mechanisms, and adaptable thermal contact surfaces. These parameter changes allow a single standardized module design to serve multiple conduit types and sizes, enabling rapid replacement while avoiding the need for custom manufacturing of specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If heat trace cables are wrapped around conduits, then heating is provided, but the cables are stiff and provide non-uniform heating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating functionVSAvoidheating uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heat trace modules utilize flexible heating elements constructed from thin-film or flexible cable structures that can conform to the curvature of conduits. This flexibility allows the heating elements to make uniform contact with the conduit surface, eliminating the non-uniform heating problems associated with stiff cables while maintaining reliable heating function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The heating elements are designed with three-dimensional conformability, allowing them to wrap around and adapt to the cylindrical geometry of conduits. This dimensional adaptation ensures uniform heat distribution across the conduit surface by maintaining consistent contact pressure and thermal coupling throughout the wrapped section, resolving the non-uniform heating issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Facilitates quicker installation and replacement of heat trace systems with improved uniformity of heating and reduced heat loss, while allowing for standardization and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

heat trace section adapted for contacting and heating, for example, a conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an insulation jacket surrounding the heat trace section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS7919733B2Modular heater systems

Publication Date: 2011.04.05 WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO

AI summary

A heat trace assembly is provided that includes a heat trace section, an insulation jacket surrounding the heat trace section, and a plurality of standoffs disposed between the heat trace section and the insulation jacket. A corresponding plurality of passageways are formed between the heat trace section and the insulation jacket and between the plurality of standoffs. The standoffs can be a part of the insulation jacket and/or the heat trace section, and the standoffs can furthermore be integrally formed with or separately attached to the insulation jacket and/or the heat trace section.