DIE COOLING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF
First Claim
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1. A die cooling system for cooling cast metal comprising:
- a die;
a plurality of thermocouples embedded in the die, such that each thermocouple contacts the casting metal;
a plurality of cooling zones arranged such that cooling air is supplied to the cooling zones to cool the die; and
a feedback control system,wherein each thermocouple measures the temperature of the cast metal, andwherein the control system continuously receives temperature data from each thermocouple and controls the supply of cooling air to the cooling zones based on the temperature data.
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Abstract
A die cooling system for cooling a cast wheel for an automotive vehicle is provided that includes a die, multiple thermocouples embedded in the die, which measure the actual cast metal temperature, adjustable cooling valves, and a control system. The control system receives actual casting metal temperature data from each thermocouple to control the operation of the adjustable cooling valves.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A die cooling system for cooling cast metal comprising:
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a die; a plurality of thermocouples embedded in the die, such that each thermocouple contacts the casting metal; a plurality of cooling zones arranged such that cooling air is supplied to the cooling zones to cool the die; and a feedback control system, wherein each thermocouple measures the temperature of the cast metal, and wherein the control system continuously receives temperature data from each thermocouple and controls the supply of cooling air to the cooling zones based on the temperature data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A die cooling system for cooling a cast wheel for an automotive vehicle comprising:
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a die; a plurality of thermocouples embedded in the die such that each thermocouple contacts the cast wheel; a plurality adjustable cooling valves to supply cooling air to various portions of the die; and a feedback control system, wherein each thermocouple measures the actual temperature of the cast wheel, and wherein the control system continuously receives temperature data from each thermocouple and controls the operation of the adjustable cooling valves based on the temperature data. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of cooling a cast wheel for an automotive vehicle comprising the steps of:
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providing a die having a plurality of thermocouples embedded in the die such that each thermocouple contacts the cast wheel, a plurality of adjustable cooling valves to supply cooling air to the die, and a control system; calculating a critical solidification rate of the cast wheel based on parameters of the wheel; filling a cavity of the die with molten metal; measuring the cast wheel temperature continuously at each thermocouple location; and controlling the supply of cooling air from the adjustable cooling valves to achieve the critical solidification rate during a solidification period. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification