Induction Coil Field Shaping With Sensor Feedback for Tool Holders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for induction heating units face challenges in efficiently adjusting the field shape of induction coils to accommodate variously shaped tool holders, leading to potential energy inefficiencies and incorrect heating.

Innovation Solution

An induction heating unit adjustment device with a field shaping unit and a sensor unit that allows manual adjustment of field shaping elements, coupled with electronic sensors to detect and adjust the position of field shaping elements, ensuring optimal field shaping for differently shaped tool holders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of field shaping elements is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability of field shaping are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual adjustmentVSAvoidfield shape accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an electronic sensor unit that detects the position of field shaping elements and provides feedback signals to indicate whether the elements are correctly positioned. This feedback mechanism allows manual operators to achieve precise field shaping by receiving real-time information about element positions, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manual operation and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If field shaping elements are manually adjusted, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment mechanismVSAvoidfield shaping accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic sensor unit monitors the position of field shaping elements and generates feedback signals to indicate correct or incorrect positioning. This feedback system ensures manufacturing precision is maintained without requiring complex automated adjustment mechanisms, as the simple manual adjustment is guided by electronic feedback about element positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If field shaping is optimized for various tool holders, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool holder compatibilityVSAvoidfield shaping unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple interchangeable field shaping elements that can be selected and positioned according to the specific tool holder being heated. Each element is designed to create optimal field shapes for different tool holder geometries. The electronic sensor unit provides feedback to ensure correct element selection and positioning, enabling universal adaptability without requiring a completely different system for each tool holder type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If electronic sensors are added to detect field shaping element position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement position detectionVSAvoidsensor unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic sensor unit provides essential feedback about field shaping element positions to ensure correct configuration. The sensors are strategically placed to detect element positions with minimal additional complexity, providing critical measurement information that enables precise field shaping while maintaining relative system simplicity through targeted rather than comprehensive sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enables precise and user-friendly adjustment of the induction magnetic field, minimizing energy consumption and preventing incorrect heating, thus optimizing the induction heating process.

Implementation Method 1

An induction heating unit adjustment device for adjusting at least one field shape of an alternating field of an induction coil of an induction heating unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

describes an induction coil assembly for heating a free-ending sleeve section of a tool holder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

a field shaping unit designed to shape and/or shield the alternating field generated by the induction coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field shaping: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3965532B1Induction heating unit adjusting device and adjustment method for adjusting at least one field forming element of an induction heating unit
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 E ZOLLER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3965532B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3965532B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3965532B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to an induction heating unit adjustment device (44a; 44b) for adjusting at least one field shape of an alternating field of an induction coil (10a; 10b) of an induction heating unit (12a; 12b), with a field shaping unit (14a; 14b) which is provided for shaping and/or shielding the alternating field generated by the induction coil (10a; 10b), preferably variably, comprising at least one field shaping element (16a; 16b) and a field shaping receiving unit (18a; 18b) which is provided for holding the field shaping element (16a; 16b) in and/or on the induction heating unit (12a; 12b).It is proposed that the induction heating unit adjustment device (44a; 44b) includes an electronic sensor unit (20a; 20b) which is designed to sensing a type and/or position of the field shaper element (16a; 16b) held in and/or on the induction heating unit (12a; 12b) by the field shaper receiving unit (18a; 18b) and to output an electronic measurement signal.