Cordless Handheld Heater with Focused Radiant Energy and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating tools for shrinkable tubing and similar materials lack flexibility and efficiency in heating, particularly in handheld applications, as they often require manual operation and do not effectively manage heat distribution and cooling.
Innovation Solution
A handheld heating tool with a housing containing a heat source, reflectors for focused energy, a control circuit, and a blower for cooling, allowing hands-free operation and adjustable focal regions, along with features like gold-plated reflectors for high energy reflection and a removable nose portion for various object sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation is used for heating tools, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating tool automatically adjusts heating parameters and maintains optimal heating conditions without continuous manual intervention. The control system monitors temperature and power consumption, automatically adjusting the heating element output to maintain efficient operation while reducing the need for manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and electronic controls to manage the heating process. This substitution of mechanical/manual control with automated systems improves productivity while maintaining ease of use through simple interface controls.
2Productivity
If heat is concentrated in a small focal region, then heating efficiency is improved, but heat management and cooling become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heating tool divides the heating function into multiple zones with different temperature controls. The focal region receives concentrated high-temperature heating for efficient heating, while other areas of the housing are segmented into separate thermal zones with independent cooling channels to manage heat distribution and prevent overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal management intermediaries including heat sinks, thermal barriers, and cooling channels that mediate between the concentrated heat source and the housing structure. These intermediaries transfer and distribute heat efficiently while protecting sensitive components and maintaining manageable temperatures in non-heating areas.
3Productivity
If energy is concentrated for focused heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating tool incorporates temperature sensors and control systems that provide feedback on actual heating performance and energy consumption. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize energy distribution, adjusting power output to match actual heating needs and minimizing energy waste while maintaining efficient focused heating in the focal region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs variable power parameters and adjustable heating intensity levels that can be changed based on the specific heating task. The system can modify temperature, power output, and heating duration parameters to optimize energy efficiency for different materials and applications, reducing energy loss while maintaining effective heating performance.
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
The tool provides efficient, flexible heating with reduced energy consumption and improved heat management, enabling precise control and hands-free operation for diverse applications, including soldering and de-soldering.
Implementation Method 1
one or more reflectors mounted in the housing for focusing radiant energy from the at least one heat source toward a focal region
Implementation Method 2
one or more reflectors mounted in the housing for focusing radiant energy from the at least one heat source toward a focal region
Implementation Method 3
a blower directing cooling air toward the reflectors and exiting the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A cordless heating tool, including a housing, a battery coupled to the housing, a heat source, a control circuit for controlling power of the heat source, one or more reflectors mounted on the housing to focus radiant energy from the heat source toward a focal region, an opening in the housing for receiving an object to be heated in the focal region.