Multilevel Retort With Removable Loading Window

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multilevel retort assemblies require complete disassembly for loading and unloading, which is unsafe, ergonomically problematic, and time-consuming, consuming valuable furnace space and reducing processing throughput in high-temperature applications like CMC part processing.

Innovation Solution

A multilevel retort assembly with removable windows allows for loading and unloading without disassembling the shells, featuring a base with diffuser plates and shells that can be stacked to form a gas-tight inner volume, enabling parts to be loaded and unloaded efficiently through a removable window, reducing the time and effort required for processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If complete disassembly is performed for loading and unloading parts, then access to the inner retort volume is achieved, but loading and unloading time increases significantly and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to inner retort volumeVSAvoidloading and unloading time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shell is segmented by introducing a removable window panel that can be detached independently from the main shell structure. This allows only the window portion to be removed for loading/unloading operations, while the rest of the shell remains assembled, thereby reducing disassembly time and improving safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The window panel is extracted as a separate removable component from the shell structure. This extracted element can be independently removed to provide access to the inner retort volume without requiring disassembly of the entire shell assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If complete disassembly is performed for loading and unloading parts, then access to the inner retort volume is achieved, but operational safety decreases due to increased handling complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to inner retort volumeVSAvoidoperational safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If conventional multilevel retort assemblies are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but loading and unloading operations become ergonomically problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidergonomics of loading and unloading

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Quantity of substance

If shells are stacked to form multilevel retort assembly, then part capacity is increased, but complexity of assembly and disassembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepart capacityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11971216B1Retort with loading window

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 ROLLS ROYCE HIGH TEMPERATURE COMPOSITES INC

AI summary

In some examples, a multilevel retort assembly. The assembly includes a base defining a base perimeter; and a plurality of shells. Each shell has a diffuser plate support and a perimeter with a substantially similar shape as the base perimeter. The plurality of shells are stacked on each other, mechanically supported by the base, and surround an inner retort volume. The at least one shell of the plurality of shells defines a removable window. The assembly also includes a plurality of diffuser plates, each diffuser plate supported by a corresponding diffuser plate support of the plurality of diffuser plate supports.