Bi-Metallic Susceptor Blanket for Uniform Induction Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart susceptors face challenges in achieving uniform temperature distribution and have limited adjustable leveling temperature ranges, leading to inefficient heating processes.
Innovation Solution
A smart susceptor assembly is designed with physically and electrically discrete susceptor tabs paired with conductor elements, arranged in a grid pattern, and powered by an alternating current source, allowing for controlled heat distribution and extended leveling temperature ranges through the use of bi-metallic structures and optimized electromagnetic flux field generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional smart susceptor design with susceptor material wrapped around litz wire is used, then the susceptor achieves self-regulating temperature control through electromagnetic induction, but the temperature distribution becomes non-uniform and the leveling temperature range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The susceptor is divided into multiple discrete tabs arranged in a grid pattern, with each tab being a separate conductive element. This segmentation allows independent electromagnetic induction at each tab location, enabling more uniform heat distribution across the entire susceptor surface and resolving the temperature uniformity issue while maintaining heating efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Each susceptor tab is designed with specific material composition and geometric characteristics optimized for local electromagnetic induction. The tabs can be made of different materials or have different dimensions to achieve desired temperature characteristics at different locations, improving both temperature uniformity and extending the achievable leveling temperature range
2Adaptability or versatility
If the susceptor material is designed for a specific Curie temperature to achieve self-regulation, then temperature control is automated, but the range of available leveling temperatures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The susceptor tabs are designed to serve multiple functions: they act as both the electromagnetic induction elements and the heating elements, and can be configured to achieve different leveling temperatures through material selection and geometric variation. This multi-functionality extends the temperature range without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in material parameters (composition, thickness, conductivity) and geometric parameters (tab size, spacing, arrangement) to adjust the electromagnetic induction characteristics and resulting temperature profile. By varying these parameters, a wide range of leveling temperatures can be achieved with a single susceptor design framework
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 configuration enhances temperature uniformity and extends the range of available leveling temperatures, enabling more precise and efficient heating by altering thermal and electrical operations, thus improving the overall heating process.
Implementation Method 1
the susceptor begins to inductively heat due to the initially small skin depth and high magnetic permeability
Implementation Method 2
an electrical resistance of the susceptor is high. When placed into the electromagnetic flux field generated, for example, by an induction coil
Implementation Method 3
each conductor element of the plurality of conductor elements is electrically coupled to, and in thermal communication with, one of the susceptor elements
Data Source
AI summary
A smart susceptor assembly includes a plurality of susceptor elements and a plurality of conductor elements. Each susceptor element can be paired with one conductor element to form a susceptor tab. When exposed to a magnetic flux field, the plurality of susceptor elements heat to a leveling temperature. During the heating, the plurality of conductor elements alter both a thermal performance and an electrical operation of the smart susceptor assembly and, more particularly, the susceptor elements. Various configurations of the susceptor elements and conductor elements are described.