The problem is that semi-processed materials become misaligned at the output of a furnace even though they are properly aligned at the input. Several potential causes and solutions are analyzed. The solutions proposed include: 1) Changing the orientation and using a U-shaped conveyor belt to guide materials, 2) Installing adjustable holding devices on the conveyor belt to center materials, 3) Using a cheaper but shorter-lived polymer conveyor belt material, 4) Adding sensors and controllers to detect and correct misalignments, and 5) Using a flexible conveyor system and side walls to hold tubular materials in place as it travels through the furnace.

1. MyTRIZ Competition 2013
Team TARUC AME TWY
Registration No. MTZ 8557
Teoh Khai Chun
Woon Yi Fatt
Yap Park Wah

2. Part 1(a)
Problem Statement
 Although the input of the material at the furnace entrance is properly
aligned, the material became misaligned at the output of the
furnace. The main factor of such occurrence still remains unknown.
**Boundary Condition of the Problem Statement**
 The semi-process material’s properties will not be affected by the
heat treatment except the proper progress of the process.
 The semi-process material is assumed to be in tubular shape.
Benefits and/or impact if the problem solved
 The output of the semi-processed material from the furnace will no
longer suffer misalignment of production. Hence, the productivity of
the product can be ensured.

3. Process flow (Part 1)
Problem
Statement to
be solved
Cause & Effect
Chain Analysis
Engineering
Contradiction
Contradiction
Matrix
Specific
Inventive
Principle

4. Cause & Effect Chain Analysis

5. Engineering Contradiction
 “If the thermal expansion tolerance and
clearance of the conveyor belt is applied,
the conveyor belt will be able to tolerate
even when it undergoes a certain amount of
heating without affecting process of heat
treatment but it will be difficult and time
consuming to apply it in the whole conveyor
belt system.”
Improving parameter :
Measurement Accuracy (Parameter #28),
Manufacturing Precision (Parameter #29),
Adaptability or Versatility (Parameter #35)
Worsening parameter
Loss of time (Parameter #25)
Device Complexity (Parameter #36)
#No Inventive Solutions
10  Preliminary action
15  Dynamization
18 Mechanical vibration/oscillation
27  Cheap short-living objects
28  Mechanics substitution
29 Pneumatics and hydraulics
34 Discarding and recovering
35  Parameter changes
37  Thermal Expansion

6.  #10 Preliminary actions
Change the orientation of the semi-processed material to 180 as shown in figure 1.4
along with a U-shaped or V-shaped conveyor belt.
 #15 Dynamization
Holding devices consisting of adjustable jaws that center a work piece is installed to the
conveyor belt to hold material ends. This can stop and prevent any material from misalign.
The material will be heating in well order.
 #27 Cheap short-living objects
Instead of using metal mesh conveyor belt, the material of the belt is to be switched with
polymer with high heat resistant. This type of material has lower service life but also less
costly.
 #28 Mechanics substitutions
Install sensors and controllers along the conveyor belt to prevent the misalignment of the
semi-processed material. When the sensors detect misalignment of material, the sensor
will send a message to the controller. The controller is then adjusting the material in
correct proportion.
 #35 Parameter changes (degree of flexibility)
A flexible conveyor system can be used along with its flexible side wall to hold the tubular
tube in its position. The conveyor system can travel in a circular direction when passing
through the furnace. This can reduce the furnace total length.
 #37 Thermal expansions
The metal mesh of the conveyor belt is replaced with other material that has better heat
resistance properties and lower coefficient of thermal expansion. This will prevent high
degree of thermal expansion when the conveyor is passing through the furnace for the
heat treatment purpose.