Modular Saggar Assembly with Positive Locking for Thermal Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional saggars used in high temperature treatments face issues such as expansion, contraction, instability, and corrosion, leading to cracking and limitations in size, as well as unsuitability for particulate loads due to gaps and thermal stress.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly comprising a rectangular base element and two sets of rectangular wall elements with connectors, recesses, and ears that form a positive locking engagement, allowing for flexible assembly and filling with ceramic glue for enhanced stability and sealing, along with pinholes for additional securing and using materials like silicon carbide or alumina for improved thermal and corrosion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rigid rectangular saggars are used, then they can protect ware from open flame and smoke, but they expand and contract under temperature variations, changing shape and becoming difficult to stack or even breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The saggar is divided into separate modular components: a base element and multiple wall elements that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to expand and contract independently under temperature variations, preventing the formation of thermal stresses that cause cracking and shape changes in conventional unitary saggars.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements between base and wall components are designed to allow relative movement and adjustment. This dynamic connection system enables the saggar to adapt its shape in response to temperature changes while maintaining structural integrity, eliminating the rigidity problems of conventional saggars.
2Productivity
If high temperature gradients are applied for rapid heating and cooling, then heat treatment efficiency is improved, but cracking occurs within the saggars
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the saggar into separate base and wall elements connected through intermediate connection elements, the structure can accommodate thermal gradients without developing cracking. The modular design allows differential thermal expansion of each component while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are designed with specific geometric parameters that allow controlled movement and adjustment under thermal loading. This parameter design enables the saggar to withstand rapid heating and cooling cycles without cracking while maintaining productivity.
3Productivity
If box-shaped saggars are made larger to accommodate more load, then productivity is improved, but thermal stresses cause cracking more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design allows the saggar to be scaled up in size while maintaining thermal stress resistance. Each separate component can expand and contract independently, preventing the formation of thermal stresses that would otherwise cause cracking in larger conventional saggars.
4Reliability
If conventional saggars are used for particulate loads, then they can contain the load, but gaps between base and wall sections make them unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The modular assembly with separate base and wall elements allows for precise fitting and sealing. The connection elements can be designed to eliminate gaps between components, providing a tight seal suitable for particulate loads while maintaining ease of assembly.
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 solution enables larger, stable, and durable saggars with reduced thermal stress, improved corrosion resistance, and enhanced sealing, allowing for efficient use in high temperature applications without the limitations of size and structural integrity issues.
Implementation Method 1
the rectangular base element comprises connectors on two opposite sides for connecting with the two rectangular wall elements of the first set of rectangular wall elements at the said two opposite sides
Implementation Method 2
filling with ceramic glue for enhanced stability and sealing
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for providing a saggar for use in high temperature applications, may include a rectangular base element and first and second sets of two rectangular wall elements, wherein the rectangular base element includes connectors on two opposite sides for connecting with the two rectangular wall elements of the first set of the rectangular wall elements at the two opposite sides. The two rectangular wall elements of the first set may each include a connector at a first edge for connecting with the rectangular base element at the two opposite sides, and the two rectangular wall elements of the first set each may include two recesses in a second edge opposite to the first edge and in the vicinity of each end of the second edge of the rectangular wall elements of the first set. The two rectangular wall elements may each include two ears for connecting with the recesses.