Radiant Pipe Support Device with Rotary Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for radiant pipes in thermal treatment furnaces face issues with jamming and sticking due to thermal expansion and vibrations, leading to deformation and potential collapse, as they fail to effectively manage the friction and stress caused by high operating temperatures and oscillations.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a movable shank and rotary means that allows sliding and radial or lateral displacement, transforming sliding friction into rolling friction through the use of a rotary element positioned between the shank and socket, preventing direct contact and reducing stress on the radiant pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the support device uses direct contact between shank and socket, then the structure is simple, but friction and temperature increase cause jamming and sticking
Solution Approach 1:
A rotary means (roller or wheel) is introduced as an intermediary element between the shank and socket. This rotary means rotates to transform sliding friction into rolling friction, preventing direct contact between the shank and socket surfaces, thereby eliminating jamming and sticking while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the sliding friction mechanism with a rolling friction mechanism. By substituting the direct sliding contact with a rotary element, the mechanical interaction changes from linear sliding to rotational rolling, significantly reducing friction and preventing material adhesion at high temperatures
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support device allows thermal expansion, then the radiant pipe can extend naturally, but vibrations cause lateral movement and contact with socket walls
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates a movable rotary means that can rotate and adjust its position dynamically. This dynamic element allows the shank to expand thermally while the rotary means absorbs and accommodates vibration-induced lateral movements, preventing contact with socket walls through its movable design
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary means acts as a cushioning element that anticipates and absorbs the harmful effects of vibrations and thermal expansion. By positioning the rotary means between the shank and socket, it creates a buffer that prevents direct contact and accommodates dimensional changes before they cause damage
3Ease of manufacture
If the support device uses fixed positioning, then installation is simple, but friction generates excessive heat and stress on the radiant pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary means serves as a thermal intermediary, separating the hot radiant pipe shank from the cooler socket. This intermediary element reduces heat transfer at the contact interface, maintaining lower contact temperatures while allowing the support device to remain simple to install
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful sliding friction into beneficial rolling friction. The rotary means transforms the harmful thermal and mechanical stress of sliding contact into a beneficial rotating contact that generates minimal heat, turning a harmful effect into a useful one
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 significantly reduces friction stress, extends the mechanical creep strength of the radiant pipe-support system, increases durability, and decreases maintenance needs, while enhancing operator safety by minimizing the risk of accidents during maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
transforming sliding friction into rolling friction through the use of a rotary element positioned between the shank and socket
Implementation Method 2
transforming sliding friction into rolling friction through the use of a rotary element positioned between the shank and socket
Implementation Method 3
due to the high operating temperatures, which reach an average between 500° C. and 1250° C., there arises problems related both to the sticking of the support of the radiant pipe on the support installed and welded on the furnace side
Data Source
AI summary
Support device for a radiant pipe (TR), usable in thermal treatment furnaces, for lines for continuous galvanising and annealing of metal strips or sheets and/or other products made of steel and/or other metals or for revamping pre-existing furnaces, including a support for radiant pipe or shank and a furnace-side support or socket, wherein the support for the radiant pipe or shank includes at least one outer surface, facing—during use—towards the furnace-side support or socket and a thickness, wherein the furnace-side support or socket includes at least one first surface and one second surface, the latter facing—during use—towards the support for radiant pipe or shank, and a thickness, including at least one rotary means and at least one seat for housing the at least one rotary means.