Direct Resistance Heating Apparatus for Steel Workpiece Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct resistance heating methods for steel workpieces with varying cross-sections require complex electrode configurations and advanced speed control to achieve uniform temperature, which complicates the heating apparatus and reduces responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
A heating method and apparatus where a pair of electrodes are arranged across a workpiece with one electrode moving at a constant speed while electric current is adjusted for each segment of the workpiece, allowing for precise temperature control without the need for multiple electrodes, simplifying the apparatus and improving responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple pairs of electrodes are provided for each segment of the heating area, then the temperature distribution can be precisely controlled for each segment, but the configuration of the heating apparatus becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The heating area is divided into multiple segments along the longitudinal direction, with each segment having its own pair of electrodes. This segmentation allows independent temperature control for each segment while maintaining a relatively simple overall apparatus structure by using identical electrode pairs for each segment rather than a single complex electrode system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each segment of the heating area is equipped with dedicated electrodes that can be independently controlled, allowing different temperature distributions to be applied to different segments based on their specific heating requirements. This local quality approach enables precise temperature control without requiring a completely complex apparatus design.
2Device complexity
If a single pair of electrodes is used with constant current and adjusted moving speed, then the apparatus configuration is simplified, but advanced control and high output drive source are required to ensure responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single pair of electrodes requiring complex speed control, the heating area is divided into multiple segments, each with its own electrode pair. This eliminates the need for complex speed control mechanisms while maintaining apparatus simplicity, as each electrode pair can operate independently with standard control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a dynamic system (single moving electrode requiring speed control) to a static system (multiple fixed electrode pairs). This dynamic-to-static transformation eliminates the responsiveness issues associated with moving heavy electrode assemblies while maintaining the ability to control temperature distribution through independent electrical control of each electrode pair.
3Temperature
If electric current is adjusted for each segment, then uniform temperature heating is achieved, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heating area is divided into discrete segments, each with its own electrode pair that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows simple independent current adjustment for each segment to achieve uniform temperature heating, avoiding the need for a single complex control system that would be required for a non-segmented approach.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the heating area into segments with independent electrodes, the control system can adjust electrical parameters (current) for each segment independently. This parameter change approach achieves uniform temperature heating through simple individual adjustments rather than complex coordinated control of a single electrode system.
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 allows for easy heating of steel workpieces to a desired temperature distribution with improved control and reduced complexity in the heating apparatus, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness.
Implementation Method 1
moving at least one of the electrodes in the first heating area and along a second direction intersecting the first direction at a constant speed while applying electric current between the pair of electrodes to heat the first heating area by direct resistance heating
Data Source
AI summary
A heating method, a heating apparatus, and a method of manufacturing a press-molded article using the heating method are provided. A pair of electrodes is arranged on a workpiece along a first direction. Each electrode has a length extending across a first heating area of the workpiece in the first direction. At least one of the electrodes is moved in the first heating area and along a second direction intersecting the first direction at a constant speed while applying electric current between the pair of electrodes to heat the first heating area by direct resistance heating. The electric current applied between the pair of electrodes is adjusted such that a heating temperature is adjusted for each segment into which the first heating area is divided so as to be side by side in the second direction.