Press Quench Machine Shape Retention During Metal Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal objects deform when heated above their curing temperature and cooled without a mold or framework, losing their original shape, making it impossible to modify their shape through heating techniques without deformation.
Innovation Solution
A press quench machine with a pressure assembly, comprising adjustable upper and lower vertical die plates and stops, applies pressure to the metal object as it cools, ensuring it retains its original shape, and uses a quenchant bath and recirculation system with nozzles to facilitate even cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a metal object is heated above its curing temperature and then cooled without a mold or framework, then the metal object can be modified through heating techniques, but the metal object deforms and loses its original shape
Solution Approach 1:
A framework is introduced as an intermediary element between the metal object and the heating/cooling process. The framework acts as a mediator that allows thermal modification while preventing deformation, enabling the metal object to be heated and cooled without losing its shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework applies confining pressure as a physical parameter change to counteract the thermal expansion and contraction forces during heating and cooling. By controlling the pressure parameter, the framework prevents shape deformation while allowing thermal processing.
2Shape
If a framework is used to prevent deformation during cooling, then the metal object retains its shape, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The framework is segmented into multiple vertical die plates rather than being a single monolithic structure. This segmentation allows the framework to be more manageable, adjustable, and easier to operate while still providing the necessary confining pressure to prevent deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework incorporates adjustable components that can be dynamically positioned and locked. The vertical die plates can be adjusted to different heights and positions, allowing the framework to adapt to different metal object sizes and shapes, reducing overall system complexity through programmable adjustability.
3Loss of time
If the metal object is cooled rapidly in a quenchant bath, then the cooling duration is reduced, but uneven cooling may cause deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple nozzles distributed across the framework, allowing coolant to be delivered to multiple locations simultaneously. This segmented approach enables uniform cooling across the entire metal object surface, preventing thermal gradients that would cause deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic recirculation system with pumped coolant flow is used instead of passive cooling. The hydraulic system provides controlled, high-velocity coolant delivery through the nozzle array, ensuring uniform heat extraction from all surfaces of the metal object simultaneously, thereby preventing deformation while reducing cooling time.
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 machine effectively prevents deformation of metal objects during cooling, allowing them to maintain their original shape and utility, enabling the fabrication and modification of metal parts without deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a recirculation system designed to circulate quenchant from the quenchant bath to the recirculation tank and back to the quenchant bath
Implementation Method 2
the recirculation tank includes a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of nozzles that spray quenchant onto the metal object
Implementation Method 4
pressure is applied to the metal object to ensure that as the metal object cools it retains its original shape
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is an apparatus for cooling a metal object that has been heated above the curing point, such that as the metal object cools, it retains its original shape.