Ring Induction Heating Layout for Stable Multi-Part Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction heating methods for ring-shaped members, such as bearing rings, face challenges in securing high heating treatment capacity and ensuring even heating due to instability in the posture of multiple members during processing, leading to uneven heating and the need for larger facilities.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating method and apparatus that involves supplying ring-shaped members to a heating section using an induction coil, controlling contact with a contact control portion, and using a conveyance mechanism to prevent contact with the coil, allowing multiple members to pass through the heating section sequentially while maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple ring-shaped members are stacked on the upper surface of a support member to increase processing capacity, then heating treatment capacity is improved, but the posture of the ring-shaped members becomes unstable leading to uneven heating
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple support portions arranged in the radial direction, with each support portion independently supporting one ring-shaped member. This segmentation allows each member to be stably positioned while maintaining overall system capacity for heating multiple members simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portions are arranged in the radial direction rather than stacking members vertically, transitioning from vertical stacking to radial arrangement. This dimensional change maintains stability of each member's posture while increasing the number of members that can be heated simultaneously.
2Productivity
If the number of ring-shaped members to be heated simultaneously is increased, then processing capability is enhanced, but the facility size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The support portions are arranged in the radial direction around the coil, utilizing radial space rather than expanding the facility in axial or horizontal directions. This allows multiple ring-shaped members to be heated simultaneously within a compact facility footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple ring-shaped members are arranged concentrically around the coil in the radial direction, similar to nested dolls. This compact arrangement maximizes the number of members that can be heated simultaneously without proportionally increasing facility size.
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 method and apparatus secure efficient and even heating of multiple ring-shaped members, enhancing processing capability and reducing the facility size requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a method for induction-heating a ring-shaped member Mr by generating an eddy current inside the ring-shaped member Mr using an electrified coil Ch
Implementation Method 2
generating an eddy current inside the ring-shaped member Mr using an electrified coil Ch
Implementation Method 3
heat transfer from the ring-shaped member Mr to the axial restraining portions 104a occurring during induction heating of the ring-shaped member Mr
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating method includes a step of supplying a ring-shaped member to a predetermined section serving as a heating target section using an induction coil, and a step of moving the ring-shaped member along a reference axis so as to pass through the predetermined section. The moving step includes controlling contact between the ring-shaped member and a different member by a contact control portion.