Steel Sheet Cooling Edge Structure to Prevent Blowing Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cooling processes for steel sheets, particularly those plated with zinc or zinc-alloys, face inefficiencies in cooling efficiency and often result in surface defects like blowing marks due to uneven fluid flow, which limits production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with inclined edge bodies and dimple regions is used to manage the flow of cooling fluid, ensuring even distribution and reducing surface defects by creating a wider discharge space and promoting turbulent flow, thus improving cooling efficiency and surface quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large amount of cooling fluid is supplied to perform strong cooling within an allowable cooling process period, then cooling efficiency is improved, but surface defects such as blowing marks occur on the edge of the steel sheet due to increased flow rate toward the edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different structures at different locations of the apparatus body. Specifically, inclined sections are provided at the edge portions (first and second edge bodies) while a different structure is provided at the central portion. This local structural differentiation controls the cooling fluid flow to have lower velocity at edges (preventing blowing marks) while maintaining adequate cooling, thus resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and surface quality at edge portions.
2Loss of time
If the cooling process is performed during conveyance or post-processing with limited time period, then production efficiency is maintained, but insufficient cooling occurs without strong cooling measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical structure of the apparatus body (introducing inclined sections at edges) to change the flow parameters of the cooling fluid. This structural parameter change creates a flow distribution pattern that achieves both adequate cooling intensity and uniform flow, allowing effective cooling within the limited process period without causing edge defects.
3Productivity
If cooling fluid flow rate is increased toward the edge to enhance cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but surface defects occur due to excessive flow rate at the edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating location-specific structural features (inclined sections at edge portions) that locally modify the cooling fluid flow characteristics. This ensures that each region of the steel sheet receives appropriate cooling intensity - sufficient for cooling efficiency while preventing excessive flow-induced defects at vulnerable edge areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined sections act as intermediary structures that mediate between the cooling fluid supply and the steel sheet surface. These intermediaries control and regulate the cooling fluid flow, transforming the direct high-velocity flow into a controlled flow pattern that achieves cooling without causing blowing marks at the edges.
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 apparatus enhances cooling efficiency and surface quality of steel sheets by reducing surface defects and optimizing fluid flow, leading to improved production efficiency without enlarging equipment.
Implementation Method 1
water or air (hereinafter referred to as 'cooling fluid') may be supplied to a steel sheet to perform strong cooling
Implementation Method 2
promoting turbulent flow
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for cooling a steel sheet includes: an apparatus body provided spaced apart from a steel sheet in the conveying path of the steel sheet; and a cooling unit provided in the apparatus body to supply a cooling fluid. The apparatus body includes: a first edge body that faces a first edge portion extending a certain distance from one side end of the steel sheet toward the center of the steel sheet; and a second edge body that faces a second edge portion extending a certain distance from the other side end of the steel sheet toward the center of the steel sheet. The first and second edge bodies may have stepped cross-sections in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the steel sheet.