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 heating of workpieces with varying widths, leading to increased equipment costs and reduced productivity due to the need for multiple electrode pairs 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 uniform heat distribution, allowing for precise control of current and movement speed to achieve desired temperature profiles across the workpiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a plurality of pairs of electrodes is arranged to heat a steel plate with varying width uniformly, then uniform temperature distribution is achieved, but equipment cost increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating process into multiple heating zones along the longitudinal direction of the steel plate. Each zone has its own electrode pair, allowing independent control of heating parameters for different sections. This segmentation enables uniform temperature distribution across varying width sections without requiring complex multi-pair electrode arrangements, thus reducing equipment cost while maintaining temperature uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different heating parameters (current intensity, electrode spacing, moving speed) to different longitudinal sections of the steel plate according to its local width characteristics. Narrower sections receive adjusted heating parameters compared to wider sections, achieving uniform temperature distribution without requiring multiple electrode pairs across the width, thereby simplifying equipment configuration.
2Temperature
If a plurality of pairs of electrodes is arranged to heat a steel plate with varying width uniformly, then uniform temperature distribution is achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a moving electrode system where at least one electrode moves along the longitudinal direction of the steel plate during heating. This dynamic approach allows continuous heating of the entire plate length in a single pass, achieving uniform temperature distribution without requiring multiple stationary electrode pairs, thus maintaining high productivity while ensuring temperature uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving electrode system enables continuous heating action along the entire length of the steel plate without interruption. The electrode(s) traverse the plate while maintaining contact and applying heat continuously, eliminating the need for multiple electrode pairs that would require sequential operation, thereby improving heating efficiency and productivity while achieving uniform temperature distribution.
3Manufacturing precision
If voltage is applied between electrodes at longitudinal ends for a flat steel plate, then uniform current flow is achieved, but this approach cannot handle steel plates with varying width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static electrode arrangement into a dynamic system where electrodes move along the longitudinal direction. This movement allows the same electrode pair to serve multiple positions along the plate length, adapting to varying width sections without changing the basic electrode configuration, thus maintaining current distribution uniformity while achieving versatility for different workpiece shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts heating parameters (current intensity, electrode spacing, moving speed) dynamically as the electrode(s) move along the steel plate. These parameter changes compensate for variations in plate width, maintaining uniform current distribution and temperature across different sections without requiring multiple fixed electrode pairs, thereby achieving both precision and adaptability.
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 approach enables efficient and cost-effective uniform heating of workpieces with varying widths, improving productivity by simplifying equipment configuration and reducing the need for multiple electrode pairs, while maintaining precise temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
a direct resistance heating apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode arranged to oppose to each other with a space provided between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
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.