Moving Electrode Current Applying Apparatus for Uniform Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct resistance heating methods face challenges in efficiently applying a large current to workpieces with varying widths, requiring complex electrode configurations and large-scale equipment, which complicates the process and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A current applying apparatus with a moving electrode and power feeding roller system that allows for easy and simple application of a large current by changing the current-applying region or time, using a bus bar arranged along the workpiece to reduce inductance and maintain a stable power factor, with the moving electrode rolling on the workpiece surface and the power feeding roller contacting the bus bar to supply current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple pairs of electrodes are provided to heat workpieces with varying widths, then uniform heating is achieved, but the apparatus becomes complicated and large-scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable electrode that can be positioned at different locations along the workpiece length, transforming a static multi-electrode system into a dynamic single-electrode system. This allows the same electrode to serve multiple heating positions sequentially, achieving uniform heating across varying widths without requiring multiple simultaneous electrodes, thus reducing apparatus complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple pairs of electrodes are provided to heat workpieces with varying widths, then uniform heating is achieved, but the apparatus becomes large-scale
Solution Approach 1:
The movable electrode design allows a single electrode to traverse multiple heating positions along the workpiece, replacing what would traditionally require multiple fixed electrodes spread across a large apparatus. This dynamic positioning reduces the spatial footprint of the equipment while maintaining the capability to heat various sections uniformly, thereby reducing apparatus size without sacrificing manufacturing precision
3Temperature
If large current is applied to workpiece with small resistance, then heating effect is achieved, but current application becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable electrode as an intermediary component between the power source and the workpiece. This electrode facilitates current application by providing a controlled contact point that can be precisely positioned and pressed against the workpiece surface, making it easier to apply large currents to low-resistance workpieces compared to direct power source connection, thus improving ease of operation while achieving the desired heating effect
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
Enables efficient and uniform heating of workpieces with reduced mechanical resistance and power loss, allowing for stable and large current application without the need for multiple electrodes or complex structures, thus simplifying the heating process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a power feeding roller (41) configured to contact and roll on a surface of the bus bar (25)
Implementation Method 2
a direct resistance heating (also called as a direct electric conduction heating) in which an electric current is applied directly to a workpiece to heat the workpiece
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A current applying apparatus includes a pair of electrodes configured to contact a workpiece to apply an electric current to the workpiece, and a bus bar arranged to extend along the workpiece. At least one of the electrodes includes a moving electrode configured to move relative to the bus bar and the workpiece such that an electric current flows between the bus bar and the workpiece through the moving electrode, the moving electrode being connected to the bus bar so as to be movable relative to the bus bar, and the moving electrode being configured to contact the workpiece so as to be movable relative to the workpiece.