Scan Induction Heat Treatment Jaw Support for Workpiece Deformation

Solution Overview

Problem

During scan induction heat treatment, elongated workpieces with sections having a larger cross-sectional diameter than the remainder tend to structurally deform or warp, rendering them unusable, as existing methods fail to adequately support such workpieces during the process.

Innovation Solution

The use of separate pairs of opposing jaws positioned between the scan inductor and quench apparatus, which can move between open and closed positions, allows for the passage of both the smaller and larger cross-sectional features of the workpiece, minimizing deformation by providing controlled retention and movement through the heat treatment process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional support methods are used for elongated workpieces during scan induction heat treatment, then the workpiece can be moved through the heat treatment process, but workpieces with expanded cross sections experience longitudinal deformation and warping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece movement through heat treatmentVSAvoidworkpiece dimensional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into multiple independent jaw pairs positioned at different locations along the workpiece length. Each jaw pair can independently clamp or release sections of the workpiece, allowing differentiated support for different cross-sectional regions during movement through the heat treatment zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The jaw pairs are designed to be movable between open and closed positions, enabling dynamic adjustment of support during the heat treatment process. The jaws can be opened to accommodate expanded cross sections and closed to provide stabilizing support, adapting to the varying geometric requirements of the workpiece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the workpiece is constrained to prevent deformation, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but workpieces with varying cross sections cannot pass through the support structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece dimensional accuracyVSAvoidaccommodation of varying cross sections

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The jaw pairs are designed to be movable between open and closed positions, enabling dynamic adjustment of support during the heat treatment process. The jaws can be opened to accommodate expanded cross sections and closed to provide stabilizing support, adapting to the varying geometric requirements of the workpiece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different jaw pairs are positioned to provide localized support at specific cross-sectional regions of the workpiece. Each jaw pair can be independently controlled to clamp or release, providing tailored support characteristics for different portions of the workpiece with varying cross-sectional dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the support structure is designed to accommodate expanded sections, then adaptability is improved, but longitudinal deformation control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying cross sectionsVSAvoidworkpiece structural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into multiple independent jaw pairs positioned at different locations along the workpiece length. Each jaw pair can independently clamp or release sections of the workpiece, allowing differentiated support for different cross-sectional regions during movement through the heat treatment zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different jaw pairs are positioned to provide localized support at specific cross-sectional regions of the workpiece. Each jaw pair can be independently controlled to clamp or release, providing tailored support characteristics for different portions of the workpiece with varying cross-sectional dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively prevents longitudinal deformation of workpieces with expanded sections by ensuring proper alignment and support, maintaining the workpiece's structural integrity during induction heat treatment, thus avoiding the need for subsequent corrective processes.

Implementation Method 1

AC current is supplied to the scan inductor at terminals 102a and 102b from a suitable power source to establish the magnetic field that (flux) couples with the section of the workpiece moving through the inductor to inductively heat the workpiece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

scan induction heat treatment process involves moving an elongated workpiece that generally has a length much larger than its cross sectional diameter through one or more scan inductors so that the workpiece can be heat treated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

the workpiece also passes through a quench dispersal apparatus, such as quench barrel 104, which has a series of quench holes 104a through which the quench medium (for example, water) passes to rapidly cool sections of the workpiece after they have been heated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS9622295B1Scan induction heat treatment of an elongated workpiece

Publication Date: 2017.04.11 RADYNE CORP

AI summary

Apparatus and method are provided for preventing deformation along the longitudinal axis of a workpiece passing through a scan inductor when the workpiece has at least one section with a cross section larger than the cross section of the remainder of the workpiece. An upper and lower pair of opposing jaws transition between opened and closed positions as the workpiece passes through the scan inductor so that deformation is minimized as the workpiece passes through the scan induction apparatus.