Refractory Block Anchoring With Grooves And Steel Pins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat-insulating linings for industrial furnaces require high assembly effort, are costly due to the need for expensive metal brackets and extensive cutting of refractory stones, and necessitate additional expansion joints.

Innovation Solution

The use of refractory blocks with circumferential grooves and temperature-resistant fiber products between the blocks, anchored with steel anchors that penetrate the grooves, allowing for form-fitting anchoring without mortar and eliminating the need for additional expansion joints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If steel anchors hold only every fourth brick selectively, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and stability of masonry composition deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplexity of anchoring systemVSAvoidprecision of block positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring system is segmented into multiple steel anchors distributed across the block surface, with each anchor providing localized form-fitting engagement through grooves. This segmentation allows comprehensive anchoring without requiring excessive complexity in any single anchoring point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Grooves are pre-formed in the blocks during manufacturing, enabling the steel anchors to engage in a form-fitting manner without requiring complex adjustment or positioning procedures during assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures precise block positioning while simplifying the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If metal brackets made of heat-resistant steel are installed to support stones, then stability of masonry is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of masonryVSAvoidcomplexity of support structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steel anchors serve dual functions: they provide form-fitting engagement for precise positioning and simultaneously act as support structures for the masonry. This merging of positioning and support functions eliminates the need for separate metal brackets, reducing device complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The steel anchors are designed as multi-functional elements that combine anchoring, positioning, and support capabilities. Each anchor engages with grooves in the blocks while also providing structural support, making the system more efficient without requiring additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If numerous stones are cut to finish masonry, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity and assembly time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of masonry finishVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Blocks are pre-formed with circumferential grooves during manufacturing, eliminating the need for field cutting and finishing operations. This preliminary preparation ensures precise dimensions and proper fit without requiring time-consuming cutting operations during assembly, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If expansion joints are installed to control thermal expansion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability under thermal stressVSAvoidcomplexity of expansion joint system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circumferential grooves in the blocks are designed to accommodate thermal expansion of the masonry. The groove geometry and the form-fitting anchor engagement allow blocks to expand and contract with temperature changes while maintaining structural integrity, eliminating the need for separate expansion joint components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #37Thermal expansion

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring system is designed to simultaneously provide form-fitting engagement and accommodate thermal expansion. The grooves and anchor configuration allow for movement due to thermal effects while maintaining stable connection, merging the functions of anchoring and expansion accommodation into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 method reduces assembly time and cost by enabling faster, more efficient installation of refractory blocks, providing comprehensive anchoring and expansion joint compensation without additional hardware.

Implementation Method 1

anchored in a form-fitting manner all the way around by means of a refractory mass that is cast into the grooves and has hardened

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHardening:

Implementation Method 2

temperature-resistant fiber products (e.g. ceramic fiber paper based on aluminosilicate high-temperature wool) are preferably applied, which act as an expansion joint in each block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP2189743B1Thermal insulation cover for industrial furnaces
Publication Date: 2013.12.18 JUNGER & GRATER GMBH FEUERFESTBAU
  • EP2189743B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2189743B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2189743B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The lining has a steel anchor (6) holding refractory blocks (1) at a metallic wall, and a circumferential groove (2) formed in narrow sides of the refractory blocks. The steel anchors with tips (9, 10) are engaged in the groove of the refractory blocks. The refractory blocks are rotatably anchored by hardened fire-proof masses in a form-fit manner. A front region of the blocks between the groove and the outer surface is larger than a rear region of the blocks, where the rear region comprises the wall to be lined. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a heat-insulating lining for an industrial furnace.