Electromagnetic Material Curing via Adaptive Beam Book Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional material processing methods, such as autoclave installations for heating and curing, are energy-inefficient and result in uneven heating due to standing waves in microwave ovens, leading to cost and energy inefficiencies and unreliable heating outcomes.

Innovation Solution

A method and arrangement using a controller and sensors to iteratively select and apply parameter settings from a 'beam book' for emitting electromagnetic radiation, adjusting based on real-time temperature distribution feedback to achieve homogeneous heating or curing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional autoclave installations are used for material curing, then material processing can be achieved, but energy consumption and operational costs become significantly high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial curing capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical autoclave heating systems with electromagnetic radiation sources (microwave or radio frequency generators) that directly couple energy to the material through dielectric heating, eliminating the need for thermal conduction through chamber walls and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining curing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts electromagnetic radiation parameters (frequency, power level, pulse duration) based on real-time temperature feedback from sensors, optimizing energy delivery to achieve uniform curing at lower overall energy consumption compared to traditional autoclave methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If microwave radiation is used for heating materials, then heating speed increases, but standing waves cause uneven temperature distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating speedVSAvoidtemperature uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where temperature sensors continuously monitor the material's temperature distribution, and the controller adjusts electromagnetic radiation parameters in real-time to compensate for hot and cold spots caused by standing waves, achieving uniform heating while maintaining rapid heating rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically modifies radiation delivery by adjusting phase and amplitude of electromagnetic waves based on real-time temperature measurements, transforming the static standing wave pattern into a dynamic, adaptively controlled energy distribution that maintains temperature uniformity throughout the heating process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If evaluative feedback with infrared sensors is implemented to achieve even heating, then temperature monitoring improves, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature distribution controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs temperature-sensitive materials or indicators embedded in or on the material being processed that provide self-monitoring of temperature distribution without requiring complex external sensing systems, allowing the material itself to indicate its thermal state for feedback control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses simplified temperature indicator elements or proxy measurements that replicate the thermal behavior of the entire material, allowing control based on representative temperature data rather than requiring comprehensive sensing of every point in the material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

This approach ensures reliable, efficient, and adaptive material processing by preventing feedback instability and ensuring radiation limits are not exceeded, providing consistent and even heating or curing results.

Implementation Method 1

at least one source for emitting electromagnetic radiation towards an item

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one sensor for sensing a temperature distribution of the item

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermography

Data Source

PatentEP3975665A1Method and arrangement for controlling material treatment

Publication Date: 2022.03.30 PERCYROC AB

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AI summary

A method (100), an arrangement (200) and a program are provided for processing an item (215). The arrangement comprises a source (210) for emitting electromagnetic radiation towards an item, a sensor (220) for sensing a temperature distribution of the item, and a controller (230) coupled to the source and sensor. The method comprises the steps of: providing (110) a collection of n parameter settings, BB, of the source, providing (120) a vector, p, and controlling (130) a setting of the source by selecting (140) a parameter setting in the collection of parameter settings, BB, based on a predetermined criterion of the vector, p; applying (150) the selected parameter setting via the controller for operating the source for emitting electromagnetic radiation towards the item, and updating (160) the vector, p, as a function of the temperature distribution of the item sensed by the sensor, until a predetermined threshold has been reached.