Split Exothermic Welding Container for Slag Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional exothermic welding processes face challenges in efficiently separating slag from molten metal and require complex assembly procedures due to the design of existing welding containers, which can increase manufacturing costs and time.

Innovation Solution

The development of a two-piece exothermic welding container with a horizontal or vertical split design, featuring a crucible chamber, weld cavity, and conductor channels, allows for easier separation of slag and molten metal, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional exothermic welding containers are used, then the welding process can be completed, but slag separation from molten metal is inefficient and assembly procedures are complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidcontainer design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The welding container is divided into multiple separable mold pieces (first mold piece, second mold piece, third mold piece) that can be assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components while maintaining the overall functionality, directly addressing the complexity issue by breaking down the monolithic container design into manageable segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container design incorporates movable and adjustable elements, such as the separable mold pieces that can be positioned and secured in different configurations. This dynamic assembly approach simplifies manufacturing and maintenance compared to fixed, permanent structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If conventional welding container designs are used, then welding can be performed, but manufacturing time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mold pieces are designed with pre-formed features including integrated conductor channels, pre-positioned tap holes, and predetermined cavity geometries. This preliminary preparation of components allows for rapid assembly and reduces on-site manufacturing time, directly improving productivity while reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the container into reusable mold pieces, the system allows for parallel preparation and pre-manufacturing of components, reducing overall manufacturing time and enabling more efficient production workflows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional container designs are used, then welding can be completed, but slag separation from molten metal is not efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslag contaminationVSAvoidweld quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The design incorporates a dedicated slag chamber that physically separates slag from the molten metal during the welding process. The slag is extracted and contained in a separate space within the mold structure, preventing contamination of the weld area and improving weld quality while effectively managing the harmful slag byproduct.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mold pieces act as intermediary structures that facilitate the separation process. The tap hole and conductor channels serve as intermediaries to control the flow of molten metal while the slag is diverted to the slag chamber, ensuring clean separation without direct contact between slag and the welding zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 improved design facilitates efficient slag separation and reduces manufacturing time and costs while maintaining high-quality welds by optimizing the geometry of the weld cavity and riser section.

Implementation Method 1

molten metal from reaction of the weld material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExothermic reaction: Exothermic Reaction

Implementation Method 2

transfer molten metal by gravity from the crucible chamber to the weld cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

the riser section has an inward taper from an upper riser width toward the lower section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDensity gradient: Density Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4480625B1Exothermic welding container and a method of forming an exothermic weld
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 ERICO INTERNATIONAL CORP
  • EP4480625B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4480625B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4480625B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to an exothermic welding container (100) for welding at least two electrically conductive items together. The exothermic welding container (100) includes one or more mold pieces that define a crucible chamber and a weld cavity. A tap hole can extend between the crucible chamber and the weld cavity. A set of channels (108, 110), including a first channel (108) and a second channel (110) that intersect the weld cavity, spaced apart from the tap hole. The weld cavity has a width that increases over a vertical rise away from the set of channels (108, 110). The second weld cavity portion can include a riser section and a lower section.