Moving Electrode Resistance Heating for Uniform Steel Plate Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Direct resistance heating methods face challenges in achieving uniform heat distribution across workpieces with varying widths, leading to increased equipment costs and reduced productivity due to the need for multiple electrodes and complex temperature control.

Innovation Solution

A direct resistance heating apparatus with a pair of electrodes that moves along the workpiece, controlled by a holder mechanism to maintain contact and apply current uniformly, allowing for precise control of heat distribution by adjusting the moving speed and current flow, thereby simplifying the equipment configuration and improving productivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If multiple pairs of electrodes are arranged side by side to heat steel plates with varying width uniformly, then uniform temperature distribution is achieved, but equipment cost increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniform temperature distributionVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making at least one electrode movable along the longitudinal direction of the workpiece. This allows a single electrode to cover varying width sections dynamically, eliminating the need for multiple fixed electrode pairs while maintaining uniform temperature distribution across the entire workpiece width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the heating process into multiple positions along the longitudinal direction. By moving the electrode to different positions and applying current at each position, the heating function is divided into sequential steps, allowing uniform heating across varying widths without requiring multiple simultaneous electrode pairs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If multiple pairs of electrodes are arranged side by side to heat steel plates with varying width uniformly, then uniform temperature distribution is achieved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniform temperature distributionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous useful action by moving the electrode continuously or in sequential steps along the longitudinal direction while applying current. This continuous heating process eliminates the need to reposition multiple electrode pairs, maintaining steady productivity while achieving uniform temperature distribution across the varying width workpiece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Temperature

If voltage is applied between electrodes at longitudinal ends for flat steel plates, then uniform heat generation is achieved, but this method cannot handle workpieces with varying width

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniform heat generationVSAvoidadaptability to varying width
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the electrode position dynamic along the longitudinal direction, enabling adaptation to varying width profiles. By adjusting the electrode's longitudinal position and applying current at different locations, the system maintains uniform heat generation capability while becoming versatile enough to handle workpieces with non-uniform cross-sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 uniform heating of workpieces with varying widths, reducing equipment costs and improving productivity by maintaining consistent temperature distribution and simplifying the heating process.

Implementation Method 1

a direct resistance heating apparatus includes a first electrode (12) and a second electrode (13) arranged to oppose to each other with a space provided between the first electrod and the second electrode, a power supply (15) electrically connected to the first electrode (12) and the second electrode (13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDirect resistance heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3682037B1Direct resistance heating apparatus, direct resistance heating method, heating apparatus, heating method, and hot-press molding method
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 NETUREN CO LTD
  • EP3682037B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1F
  • EP3682037B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2F
  • EP3682037B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3E

AI summary

A direct resistance heating apparatus includes first and second electrodes arranged with a space provided therebetween, a power supply electrically connected to the electrodes, an electrode moving mechanism configured to move, in a state in which the electrodes are in contact with a workpiece and in a state in which current is applied from the power supply to the workpiece through the electrodes, at least one of the electrodes along an opposing direction in which the electrodes are opposed to each other, first and second holders configured to hold the workpiece such that, in a state in which the at least one of the electrodes is moved, a heating target region of the workpiece located between the electrodes is held between the holders in the opposing direction, and a holder moving mechanism configured to move at least one of the holders to pull the workpiece along the opposing direction.