Multi-Electrode Electric Field Heating With Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for applying high-frequency power to objects for heating or other applications often struggle with uniform heating and efficient energy use, particularly at frequencies lower than those used in conventional microwave ovens.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device comprising a load circuit with multiple electrodes, a converter to adjust DC power, a driving circuit to output AC power, a temperature sensor, and a controller that identifies objects between the electrodes and adjusts the power output based on temperature readings to achieve uniform heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-frequency power is applied to heat an object, then heating effectiveness is improved, but uniformity of heating deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating process into multiple frequency stages. Different frequency bands (e.g., 2.45 GHz for initial heating, then lower frequencies) are applied sequentially to different regions or depths of the object. This segmentation of the heating process by frequency allows superficial layers to be heated effectively while deeper layers receive gentler, more uniform heating, resolving the contradiction between heating effectiveness and uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between different power frequencies and magnitudes. The heating process alternates between high-frequency bursts for rapid heating and lower-frequency sustained phases for uniform distribution. This periodic action prevents localized overheating while maintaining overall heating effectiveness, addressing the uniformity problem.
2Speed
If high-frequency power is applied to heat an object, then heating speed is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic modulation of power frequency and magnitude, alternating between high-power short-duration pulses for rapid heating and lower-power sustained phases for energy-efficient maintenance. This periodic action achieves fast heating speeds initially, then maintains temperature with significantly lower energy input, improving overall energy efficiency while preserving heating speed benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the operating frequency and power magnitude based on real-time temperature feedback from sensors. The system transitions from high-frequency, high-power operation during initial heating to lower-frequency, optimized-power operation during maintenance phases. This dynamic adaptation maximizes heating speed when needed while minimizing energy loss during steady-state, resolving the contradiction.
3Device complexity
If simple heating control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors (e.g., thermocouples, RTDs) that continuously monitor object temperature and feed this information back to the control system. Based on feedback signals, the controller automatically adjusts power frequency and magnitude in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables precise temperature control without requiring complex manual intervention, achieving high precision while keeping the control system relatively simple through automated closed-loop regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-regulating heating elements with inherent temperature-dependent resistance characteristics. As the object heats up, the resistance changes naturally, automatically modulating the power absorption. This self-service property reduces the need for complex external control circuitry while maintaining precise temperature control, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
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 device effectively controls the heating process by adjusting power output in response to temperature changes, ensuring uniform heating and optimizing energy use across a range of applications.
Implementation Method 1
a converter configured to convert a magnitude of DC power, at least one driving circuit configured to output AC power to the load circuit using the DC power provided from the converter
Implementation Method 2
When high-frequency power of several tens of MHz is applied to an object (e.g., an object to be heated), a high-frequency electric field is generated so that polar molecules in the object are rotated or vibrated
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may comprise: a load circuit including a plurality of electrodes; a converter comprising circuitry configured to convert the magnitude of direct current power; at least one driving circuit configured to output alternating current power to the load circuit using DC power provided from the converter; a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of an object arranged between the plurality of electrodes; and at least one controller comprising circuitry. At least one controller, individually and/or collectively, may be configured to: identify the object arranged between the plurality of electrodes; control the converter and/or the at least one driving circuit such that first power of a first frequency is output to the load circuit from a time point at which the temperature of the object exceeds a first reference value; and control the converter and/or the at least one driving circuit such that the magnitude of the first power output to the load circuit increases, based on checking that the temperature of the object increases from less than the first reference value to the first reference value while the first power is output.