Flexible Vacuum Hood Induction Heating for Homogeneous Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction heating devices face challenges in achieving surface-homogeneous heating of workpieces with different geometries, as they often require complex setups and struggle to maintain a constant distance between the coil and the workpiece, especially on curved or stepped surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The induction heating device incorporates a vacuum hood with a reinforcing fiber structure embedded in its structural material, allowing for flexible design and the creation of a negative pressure area that maintains a constant distance between the coil and the workpiece, enabling homogeneous heating on various surface geometries through a susceptor heated by homogeneous magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid coil structure is used for induction heating, then the coil maintains a fixed position, but it cannot adapt to workpieces with different geometries or curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible vacuum hood that can conform to different workpiece geometries. The hood is made of flexible material that allows it to adapt to curved or stepped surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through vacuum pressure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum hood transitions from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamically adaptable structure that can change its shape and position according to the workpiece geometry. The flexible design allows the hood to move and conform to different surfaces while maintaining functional stability during the heating process.
2Productivity
If the coil is positioned close to the workpiece for efficient heating, then heating efficiency improves, but the distance cannot be maintained constant on curved or stepped surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible vacuum hood allows the coil to maintain a constant, optimized distance from the workpiece surface across curved or stepped geometries. The hood conforms to the surface shape while preserving the functional distance needed for efficient induction heating, resolving the contradiction between heating efficiency and distance consistency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible vacuum hood is used to adapt to different surfaces, then adaptability improves, but the structural strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum hood is constructed from composite materials that combine flexibility with structural strength. This allows the hood to adapt to different workpiece surfaces while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to withstand vacuum pressures and maintain its shape during operation, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and strength.
4Manufacturing precision
If the coil device is made complex to achieve homogeneous heating, then heating uniformity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible vacuum hood serves multiple functions: it adapts to different workpiece geometries, maintains constant coil-to-workpiece distance, and enables homogeneous heating across various surfaces. This single flexible structure replaces what would otherwise require multiple complex coil configurations, reducing overall device complexity while achieving heating uniformity.
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 solution allows for compact, surface-homogeneous heating of workpieces with different geometries, ensuring efficient and uniform heat distribution even on complex surfaces, while maintaining a flexible and adaptable design for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the coil device (14) comprises a plurality of spiral windings (32) arranged in rows (34) and columns (36)... when current flows through the spiral windings (32), the current direction in adjacent edge winding sections of adjacent spiral windings (32) in a row or column is at least approximately the same
Implementation Method 2
The coil device (14) is arranged on the carrier (16)... generates a homogeneous magnetic field distribution... susceptor (66) heated by homogeneous magnetic fields
Implementation Method 3
allowing for flexible design and the creation of a negative pressure area that maintains a constant distance between the coil and the workpiece
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an induction heating device, which comprises at least one coil layer (12) having a coil device (14) and having a carrier (16), on which the coil device (14) is arranged, wherein the at least one coil layer (12) is flexible, wherein the at least one coil layer (12) is embedded in the structural material (17) of a vacuum hood (18) and the vacuum hood (18) having the at least one coil layer (12) is flexible.