Rolling Element Holder for Deformation-Free Ceramic Firing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kiln furniture solutions, such as single-use shrinking batts and pre-fired bases, are costly, time-consuming to produce and dispose of, and can lead to deformation or breakage of ceramic products due to high shrinkage during firing processes.
Innovation Solution
A reusable kiln furniture kit comprising a rolling element holder with perforations or wells to hold rolling elements, which allows ceramic products to shrink and move without causing damage, using ceramic materials like cordierite mullite or silicon carbide for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-use shrinking batts or pre-fired bases are used to prevent deformation during firing, then deformation and breakage of ceramic products are avoided, but production costs increase and the furniture can only be used once
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing movable rolling elements (balls or rollers) within the kiln furniture structure. These rolling elements allow the furniture to dynamically adapt to the shrinkage of ceramic products during firing, enabling the furniture to move and adjust its position rather than remaining rigid. This dynamic capability prevents deformation and breakage while allowing the furniture to be reused multiple times, resolving the contradiction between reliability and reusability.
2Reliability
If intermediate green batts are used to shrink together with the ceramic product, then deformation is prevented, but production and disposal costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the discarding and recovering principle by designing a kiln furniture system where the supporting structure (base element with limiting elements) can be recovered and reused, while only consuming minimal consumable materials like the rolling elements. The main furniture structure is not discarded after use but is recovered and prepared for subsequent firing cycles, significantly reducing ceramic material waste compared to single-use green batts.
3Productivity
If reusable kiln furniture is used, then production costs decrease, but ceramic products may deform or breakage due to shrinkage during firing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing movable rolling elements (balls or rollers) within the kiln furniture structure. These rolling elements allow the furniture to dynamically adapt to the shrinkage of ceramic products during firing, enabling the furniture to move and adjust its position rather than remaining rigid. This dynamic capability prevents deformation and breakage while allowing the furniture to be reused multiple times, resolving the contradiction between reliability and reusability.
4Device complexity
If traditional fixed kiln furniture is used, then the structure is simple, but ceramic products slide and deform during firing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing movable rolling elements (balls or rollers) within the kiln furniture structure. These rolling elements allow the furniture to dynamically adapt to the shrinkage of ceramic products during firing, enabling the furniture to move and adjust its position rather than remaining rigid. This dynamic capability prevents deformation and breakage while allowing the furniture to be reused multiple times, resolving the contradiction between reliability and reusability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to kiln furniture kits for supporting ceramic products, such as for example sanitary ware, during high temperature processes in a kiln. The invention further relates to rolling element holders as part of the kiln furniture kits according to the present invention for deformation and breakage free firing or drying of ceramic products.