Process chamber with device for injecting gaseous fluid

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Solution Overview

Problem

In production facilities for painting and coating vehicle bodies, existing drying systems face challenges in efficiently maintaining thermal separation within the process chamber while minimizing energy consumption and preventing contamination from dust particles and heat loss.

Innovation Solution

A process chamber design featuring a tunnel-shaped receiving area with a slit-shaped nozzle or screen that directs heated and compressed gaseous fluid as a fluid flow curtain over the ceiling, creating a guided flow that mixes with ambient air to form a flow roll, which is then used to thermally separate the interior from the environment, adjustable to avoid damaging workpieces and optimize energy use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a fluid flow curtain is created using heated and compressed gaseous fluid directed over the ceiling, then thermal separation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal separation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the temperature and pressure of the gaseous fluid to optimize the balance between thermal separation efficiency and energy consumption. By controlling these parameters, the system achieves effective thermal separation while minimizing the energy required to maintain the fluid flow curtain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the fluid flow characteristics by directing the gaseous fluid over the ceiling to create a flow roll that mixes with ambient air. This dynamic mixing process enhances thermal separation efficiency while reducing the energy required compared to a static, purely heated air curtain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If gaseous fluid is blown into the interior space through the opening, then thermal separation is improved, but workpieces may be adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal separationVSAvoidworkpiece damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by directing the gaseous fluid over the ceiling before it reaches the workpiece opening. This creates a flow roll that mixes with ambient air, gradually reducing the temperature and intensity of the fluid by the time it reaches the workpieces, thus preventing damage while maintaining thermal separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ceiling acts as an intermediary element that the gaseous fluid flows over before reaching the workpiece area. This intermediary approach allows the fluid to mix with ambient air and reduce its intensity, providing thermal separation without directly exposing workpieces to high-temperature or high-velocity fluid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the receiving area is thermally separated from the environment, then drying efficiency is improved, but heat loss through the opening increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidheat loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameters of the gaseous fluid (temperature, pressure, flow rate) to optimize thermal separation effectiveness. By carefully controlling these parameters, the patent achieves efficient drying within the receiving area while minimizing heat loss through the opening, as the optimized fluid creates a more effective thermal barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design achieves efficient thermal separation with reduced energy consumption, prevents contamination, and ensures that workpieces are not adversely affected during entry and exit, while maintaining a controlled environment for drying and hardening processes.

Implementation Method 1

at least one slit-shaped nozzle or screen for creating a fluid flow curtain between the opening and the receiving area for workpieces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow curtain:

Implementation Method 2

efficient thermal separation of this interior space from the environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal separation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

the gaseous fluid entering the interior space with one of Opening facing away from the bottom facing and oblique with respect to the bottom direction of flow is supplied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow roll formation:

Implementation Method 4

fluid flows into the process chamber approximately vertically from top to bottom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2633252B1Process chamber with device for injecting gaseous fluid

Publication Date: 2017.01.18 DUERR SYST AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a process chamber (5) having an interior space (39). In the interior space (39) there is a receiving region (15) for workpieces (3). The process chamber (5) has an opening (12, 14) for the entry and exit of workpieces (3). The process chamber comprises a device (17, 19, 25, 29, 33, 37, 35) for injecting gaseous fluid into the interior space (39). The device for injecting gaseous fluid has at least one nozzle (17, 19) for producing a fluid flow curtain (21, 23) between the opening (12, 14) and the receiving region (15) for workpieces (3).