Segmented Chain Inductor for Uniform Tube Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat treatment devices for metal pipes and containers are limited in their ability to achieve uniform heating across a wide range of external radii, as they require specific diameters and geometries, leading to inefficiencies and increased electromagnetic stray fields.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a chain of rotatable or pivotable chain links with integrated electrical conductors and cooling means, allowing for adjustable length and close proximity to the object, enabling flexible adaptation to various diameters and geometries through rollers and traction devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid inductors with defined inner radius are used, then uniform heating is achieved for pipes of specific diameter, but the device cannot adapt to pipes with different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The inductor segments are made dynamically adjustable through a spreading mechanism. The rigid segments can be spread apart or brought together to adapt to different pipe diameters, allowing the same device to accommodate various sizes while maintaining uniform heating through controlled positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor is divided into multiple rigid segments that can be independently positioned around the pipe. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to different diameters by adjusting the spread between segments, while each segment maintains its defined inner radius for uniform heating when properly positioned
2Productivity
If the inductor is positioned close to the pipe surface, then heating efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic stray fields increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the inductor into segmented sections distributed around the pipe, the electromagnetic field is localized to specific zones rather than concentrated in one area. This segmentation reduces overall stray field exposure while maintaining close proximity for efficient heating at each segment location
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor is arranged in a circumferential distribution around the pipe rather than in a single linear position. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions around the pipe allows close proximity heating while dispersing electromagnetic stray fields across different spatial locations
3Manufacturing precision
If complex holding devices are used to maintain minimum distance, then inductor positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device uses a dynamic spreading mechanism with belt or chain drives that allows easy adjustment of the inductor segments to match different pipe diameters. This dynamic adjustment system replaces complex custom-made holding devices for each diameter with a single adaptable mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is designed with universal adaptability to work with pipes of various diameters through the spreading mechanism. Instead of requiring different complex holding devices for each pipe size, this multi-functional device can accommodate different diameters by adjusting the spread between segments
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 device achieves uniform heating across a wide range of external radii, maintaining a minimal distance from the object, reducing electromagnetic stray fields, and allowing for efficient heating and cooling of objects with varying diameters and geometries.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical conductor (inductor) carrying alternating current generates an alternating electromagnetic field. Within the area of influence of the alternating electromagnetic field, the pipe, which consists of an electrically conductive material, is heated by induced eddy currents.
Implementation Method 2
the pipe, which consists of an electrically conductive material, is heated by induced eddy currents
Implementation Method 3
If the pipe material also has ferromagnetic properties, additional heating occurs due to remagnetization losses
Implementation Method 4
self-cooling, or water-cooled
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the heat treatment of objects (G), in particular pipes (R) and containers (B) made of metal, characterized in that the device is a chain (K1, K2) composed of chain links (1), wherein the chain links (1) are rotatably or pivotably connected to one another, and that at least one electrical conductor (IN) and/or at least one cooling medium (K), in particular in the form of a coolant hose (K), is arranged in or on the chain (K1, K2).