Heating Plate With Meandering Heaters for Uniform Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating devices with cartridge heaters in recessed portions suffer from variations in temperature distribution and potential seizure issues, leading to non-uniform heating and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A heating device design featuring ceramic heaters with meandering wiring patterns and fold-back portions, positioned perpendicularly in recessed portions, along with a fixture and support structure to minimize thermal stress and improve uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cartridge heaters are inserted into recessed portions of the heating plate, then the heating function is achieved, but temperature distribution becomes non-uniform and seizure may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring portion is configured in a meander shape extending in the thickness direction of the heating plate, changing the spatial arrangement from a simple linear insertion to a three-dimensional meandering path. This dimensional change allows the heat generating resistor to extend deeper into the heating plate thickness direction, improving thermal contact and temperature uniformity while the fold-back portions prevent seizure by accommodating thermal expansion and movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring portion adopts a meander shape with curved folds rather than straight lines, creating a flexible configuration that can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. The curved fold-back portions at the both ends of the heating plate thickness direction allow the heater to flex with thermal changes, preventing seizure while maintaining consistent thermal contact with the heating plate.
2Power
If the wiring portion is positioned in recessed portions, then heat generation is achieved, but temperature differences occur within the heating plate
Solution Approach 1:
The meander-shaped wiring portion extends in the thickness direction of the heating plate, distributing heat generation across multiple depth levels rather than concentrated at a single surface level. This three-dimensional heat distribution reduces temperature differences by delivering thermal energy to different zones within the plate thickness, achieving more uniform overall heating.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the meander-shaped wiring are positioned at different locations and depths within the heating plate, creating localized heat generation zones tailored to specific areas. The fold-back portions at both ends and the intermediate folds create multiple local heating points that collectively reduce temperature differences across the entire plate.
3Device complexity
If conventional heaters are used without meander configuration, then the structure is simple, but thermal stress increases and uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The meander-shaped wiring portion with its curved folds provides flexibility to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, reducing thermal stress. The curved geometry allows the heater to flex and move with thermal changes rather than maintaining rigid straight-line geometry, preventing stress concentration and maintaining structural stability during heating cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The meander configuration transforms the rigid straight wiring into a dynamic structure that can adapt its shape in response to thermal changes. The fold-back portions act as flexible joints that allow movement and deformation, enabling the heater to dynamically adjust to thermal expansion and contraction, thereby reducing thermal stress and improving stability.
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
Enhances thermal uniformity and durability by reducing temperature differences and minimizing seizure, thereby improving the heating process efficiency and extending the lifespan of the heating device.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of heaters includes a body portion having a pillar shape and a wiring portion having a meander shape inside the body portion in a longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
The heating device brings a target object into contact with the heating plate to heat the target object
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device includes a heating plate and a plurality of heaters. The heating plate includes a heating surface and a plurality of recessed portions on a back surface opposite to the heating surface. Each of the plurality of heaters is positioned in a respective one of the plurality of recessed portions. Each of the plurality of heaters includes a body portion having a pillar shape and a wiring portion having a meander shape inside the body portion in a longitudinal direction. The wiring portion includes a plurality of fold-back portions. The fold-back portion positioned on a front end side of the body portion is positioned in the recessed portion.