Induction heating system having eccentric locator
OwnerMichael R. Hammondinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An induction heating system and method of using the same are described. The system includes a locator system that eccentrically positions the central axis of the internal central void of the work piece with respect to the central axis of the locator system. The locator system also includes a rotation system that allows the work piece to be eccentrically rotated during the heat-treating process. In this manner, the lobe and heel portions of a cammed surface are substantially equidistant from the internal surfaces of an inductor so as to ensure substantially uniform heating of the external surfaces of the work piece.
Claims44
A system for induction heating a work piece, wherein the work piece has a first central axis extending longitudinally therethrough, comprising:
- an induction heating member having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines a void, wherein the void includes a second central axis extending longitudinally therethrough, wherein the first central axis is concentric to the second central axis;
- and
- a fixturing member selectively operable to fix the work piece thereon, wherein the fixturing member is operable to be at least partially received within the void, wherein the fixturing member includes a third central axis extending longitudinally therethrough, wherein the third central axis is eccentric to the first and second central axes;
- and
- a rotation member selectively operable to rotate the fixturing member.
A system for induction heating a work piece having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines a first void, wherein the first void includes a first central axis extending longitudinally therethrough, comprising:
- an induction heating member having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines a second void, wherein the second void includes a second central axis extending longitudinally therethrough, wherein the first central axis is concentric to the second central axis;
- a fixturing member selectively operable to fix the work piece thereon, wherein the fixturing member is operable to be at least partially received within the second void, wherein the fixturing member includes a third central axis extending longitudinally therethrough, wherein the third central axis is eccentric to the first and second central axes;
- and
- a rotation member selectively operable to rotate the fixturing member;
- wherein the outer surface of the work piece is operable to be substantially evenly heated by the induction heating member.
A method for induction heating a work piece, wherein the work piece has a first central axis extending longitudinally therethrough, comprising:
- providing an induction heating member having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines a void, wherein the void includes a second central axis extending longitudinally therethrough, wherein the first central axis is concentric to the second central axis;
- providing a fixturing member selectively operable to fix the work piece thereon, wherein the fixturing member is operable to be at least partially received within the void, wherein the fixturing member includes a third central axis extending longitudinally therethrough, wherein the third central axis is eccentric to the first and second central axes;
- and
- providing a rotation member selectively operable to rotate the fixturing member.
A method for induction heating a work piece, wherein the work piece has a first central axis extending longitudinally therethrough, comprising:
- providing an induction heating member having an area defining a void, wherein the void includes a second central axis extending longitudinally therethrough, wherein the first central axis is concentric to the second central axis;
- providing a fixturing member selectively operable to fix the work piece thereon, wherein the fixturing member is operable to be at least partially received within the void, wherein the fixturing member includes a third central axis extending longitudinally therethrough, wherein the third central axis is eccentric to the first and second central axes;
- and
- providing a rotation member selectively operable to rotate the fixturing member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.