Adjustable Transverse Inductors for Variable Strip Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transverse flux induction heating systems require multiple fixed-width inductors for materials of different widths, which is inefficient and impractical, as they need to be physically adjusted or replaced.
Innovation Solution
The use of adjustable pairs of transverse flux inductors formed from flexible cables positioned within movable roll channels, allowing for adjustment of the transverse length and pole pitch to accommodate various material widths and edge tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-width transverse inductors are used, then the inductor structure is simple and stable, but multiple inductors must be used for materials of different widths, increasing device complexity and reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the inductor structure adjustable rather than fixed. The inductor comprises adjustable components that can be repositioned along the transverse direction to match different material widths. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single inductor device to adapt to various material widths, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-width inductors and resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single inductor structure that can serve multiple functions for different material widths. The adjustable mechanism enables the same inductor to be configured for various widths, making it a universal device that replaces multiple specialized fixed-width inductors, thereby improving adaptability while reducing the overall number of components required
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical adjustments or replacements of inductors are made, then adaptability to different material widths is achieved, but process time is lost and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustable structure allows rapid reconfiguration of the inductor width without requiring physical replacement of components. The adjustable mechanism can be quickly repositioned to match different material widths, significantly reducing the time loss associated with adjustments compared to replacing entire inductor units, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor is designed with pre-configurable adjustment mechanisms that can be quickly set to different widths. The adjustable components are positioned and secured in advance for different material widths, allowing operators to switch between configurations rapidly without extensive adjustment time, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining adaptability
3Manufacturing precision
If transverse flux inductors are adjusted for different material widths, then heating uniformity is improved, but the inductor structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable inductor structure allows the transverse flux distribution to be dynamically matched to different material widths. By adjusting the inductor position and configuration, the magnetic flux density can be optimized for each material width, ensuring uniform heating across the material surface. This dynamic adaptation achieves high manufacturing precision in terms of heating uniformity while using a relatively simple adjustable mechanism rather than a completely complex structure
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
Enables efficient and flexible inductive heating of materials with varying widths without the need for physical adjustments or replacements, improving process efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The bus bars in this example provide the means for electrical interconnection of transverse flux inductors 102a and 102b to one or more alternating current (AC) power supplies 106 that supply AC power to the inductors which generates a magnetic flux field around the inductors
Implementation Method 2
electric induction heating of the material
Implementation Method 3
arrow 109 illustrates corresponding instantaneous direction of AC current flow through inductor 102a. Arrow 91 indicates the corresponding instantaneous direction of typical induced heating current loops 91a' and 91a" in material 90
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)
Figure 2(b)
AI summary
A transverse flux electric induction heating apparatus is provided with a pair of transverse flux inductor assemblies where the inductor in each one of the pair of assemblies is formed from a pair of continuous flexible cables disposed within movable roll channels in roll assemblies that are used to adjust the transverse length of the inductor across the edge-to-edge transverse of a workpiece moving between the inductor in each one of the pair of assemblies and/or to adjust the pole pitch between transverse inductor lengths of each inductor in the pair of assemblies.