Parallel Disk Cooling Assembly for Reduced Manufacturing Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disk cooling processes in manufacturing struggle with accurate positioning and verification of cooling plates, leading to limited cooling time per disk due to serial cooling, which increases overall manufacturing time and costs when attempting to increase cooling time or add cooling stations.
Innovation Solution
A system with a cooling plate coupled to multiple disk holders allows for consistent and predictable positioning of disks at a controlled distance from the cooling plate, enabling parallel cooling of multiple disks, thereby increasing flexibility and cooling time without expanding the manufacturing line footprint or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If serial cooling process is used with single cooling plate, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but cooling time per disk is limited and manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cooling function into multiple independent cooling plates (first cooling plate and second cooling plate), each capable of cooling disks independently. This segmentation allows parallel cooling operations to occur simultaneously, increasing the number of disks that can be cooled within a given period while maintaining positioning accuracy for each individual cooling plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a temporal dimension to the cooling process by enabling parallel operations. While the first disk is being cooled on the first cooling plate, the second disk can be positioned on the second cooling plate, and vice versa. This dimensional change from sequential to parallel processing increases productivity without compromising positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If cooling time per disk is increased to reduce thermal deformation, then manufacturing time increases, but quality improves
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous cooling action by having multiple cooling plates operating in parallel. While one disk is being cooled on the first cooling plate, another disk can be cooled on the second cooling plate simultaneously. This continuity ensures that each disk receives adequate cooling time for thermal deformation control while the overall manufacturing time is reduced through parallel processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables preliminary positioning of the next disk on a cooling plate while the current disk is still being cooled. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for the next cooling operation without waiting for the current cooling cycle to complete, thereby reducing idle time and maintaining continuous productive action.
3Productivity
If additional cooling stations are added to increase cooling capacity, then manufacturing line footprint and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple cooling functions into a single integrated cooling assembly that contains both the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate. This consolidation allows two disks to be cooled simultaneously within one footprint, effectively doubling the cooling capacity without requiring separate cooling stations or expanding the manufacturing line footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling assembly is designed with multi-functionality, where a single assembly performs the cooling function for multiple disks simultaneously. The first cooling plate and second cooling plate share the same structural support and integration with the disk holder, creating a universal cooling solution that handles multiple disks without requiring separate dedicated cooling stations for each.
4Productivity
If multiple disk holders are used for parallel cooling, then cooling efficiency increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first disk holder and second disk holder are nested within the same cooling assembly structure, with both holders integrated into a single unified system. This nesting approach allows multiple disk holders to coexist in a compact arrangement, increasing cooling efficiency while minimizing the increase in system complexity through shared structural components and integrated design.
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 enhances the cooling efficiency by allowing longer cooling times for each disk, reducing thermal deformation risks, and increasing the number of disks that can be cooled within a given period, while maintaining manufacturing line efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling plate coupled to a first disk holder and to a second disk holder... enabling parallel cooling of multiple disks
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a cooling plate coupled to a first disk holder and to a second disk holder. The first disk holder and the second disk holder are each shaped to be removably coupled to respective inner diameter surfaces of disks such that, when coupled, each disk is positioned a distance from the cooling plate.