Stabilizer Bend Heating with Floating Conductors for Uniform Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing of stabilizers with curved portions experiences temperature deviations due to uneven electric current distribution, leading to property variations in these areas.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing method involving bend processing on a workpiece, with a conductor facing the outer surface of the curved portion and applying alternating current through terminals to control current density and temperature uniformity, using ferromagnetic bodies to further refine heating control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If electric heating is used to heat the stabilizer, then heating efficiency is improved, but temperature deviations occur in the curved portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing conductors at specific locations facing the outer circumferential surface of the curved portion, and ferromagnetic bodies at specific locations facing the inner circumferential surface. This localized arrangement ensures that heating is concentrated where needed to achieve uniform temperature distribution in the curved portion, resolving the temperature deviation problem while maintaining high heating efficiency through targeted energy application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces conductors and ferromagnetic bodies as intermediary elements between the power source and the stabilizer workpiece. These intermediaries modify the electric current distribution pattern, guiding the current to flow more uniformly through the curved portion. The conductors serve as current paths that generate heat, while ferromagnetic bodies concentrate magnetic flux to enhance heating in specific areas, thereby achieving temperature uniformity without sacrificing heating efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If electric currents flow through the inner portion of the curved portion, then heating speed is improved, but temperature deviations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating speedVSAvoidtemperature uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by strategically placing ferromagnetic bodies facing the inner circumferential surface of the curved portion. These ferromagnetic bodies concentrate magnetic flux and enhance current density in the inner portion, achieving fast heating where needed. Simultaneously, conductors facing the outer circumferential surface provide additional heating paths. This localized quality enhancement ensures rapid and uniform heating throughout the curved portion, resolving the contradiction between heating speed and temperature uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetry by providing different heating mechanisms for different locations: conductors facing the outer circumferential surface and ferromagnetic bodies facing the inner circumferential surface. This asymmetric arrangement compensates for the natural tendency of current to concentrate in the inner portion, creating a balanced temperature distribution. The asymmetric design allows the inner portion to heat quickly via ferromagnetic bodies while the outer portion receives adequate heating through conductors, achieving overall temperature uniformity with high heating speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 achieves uniform heating and refined grain size, reducing temperature deviations and improving the properties of the curved portions, enhancing the stabilizer's performance and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

heating the workpiece by applying the alternating current to the workpiece via the pair of terminals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

providing a conductor, which is electrically floating, to face an outer circumferential surface of a bend in the curved portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

providing a ferromagnetic body to face an inner circumferential surface of a bend in the second curved portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux concentration: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4692380A1Method for manufacturing stabilizer, and stabilizer
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 NHK SPRING CO LTD
  • EP4692380A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4692380A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4692380A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a manufacturing method of a stabilizer includes performing a bend processing on a workpiece having a bar shape to form a curved portion in the workpiece, providing a conductor, which is electrically floating, to face an outer circumferential surface of a bend in the curved portion, attaching a pair of terminals connected to a power source, which is capable of supplying an alternating current, to the workpiece, and heating the workpiece by applying the alternating current to the workpiece via the pair of terminals.