Induction Furnace Control Unit Pulsed Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction furnace devices lack ease of use and efficiency in heating-up times and energy consumption during the heating-up operating state, particularly due to continuous operation of inductors at maximum power.

Innovation Solution

The control unit operates the inductor in a pulsed manner during the heating-up operating state, allowing for flexible selection of pulse duration and cycle duration, and adjusts cycle duration based on current and reference heating parameters to optimize heating efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the inductor is operated continuously at maximum heating power, then the heating-up time is reduced, but the energy consumption increases and operating convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating-up timeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit operates the inductor in a pulsed manner with alternating active and inactive phases during the heating-up operating state. This periodic operation allows the system to achieve effective heating while reducing continuous energy consumption and improving operating convenience through flexible pulse duration and cycle duration selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the inductor is operated continuously at maximum heating power, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the operating flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidoperating convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically adjusts the operation of the inductor by varying pulse duration and cycle duration based on heating requirements. This dynamic control enables the system to maintain high heating efficiency while providing operational flexibility and ease of use, allowing adaptation to different heating scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the inductor is operated in a pulsed manner, then the energy consumption is reduced and operating convenience is improved, but the heating-up time may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidheating-up time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit implements periodic pulsed operation with optimized pulse duration and cycle duration to balance energy consumption and heating-up time. By carefully tuning the pulse parameters, the system achieves reduced energy consumption while maintaining acceptable heating performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit adjusts operational parameters including pulse duration and cycle duration to optimize the balance between energy consumption and heating-up time. These parameter changes allow the system to adapt to different heating requirements and achieve efficient operation under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enhances operating convenience, reduces heating-up time, and optimizes energy usage, achieving high efficiency and flexibility in the operation of the induction furnace device.

Implementation Method 1

at least one inductor (18a), which is provided for inductive heating of the heating element (12a)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the inductor (18a), which is provided for inductive heating of the heating element (12a)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3737210B1Induction heating device
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3737210B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3737210B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3737210B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to an induction furnace device (10a) with at least one inductively heated heating element (12a), with at least one control unit (16a), and with at least one inductor (18a) which is provided for inductive heating of the heating element (12a). In order to provide a generic device with improved user-friendliness, it is proposed that the control unit (16a) operate the inductor (18a) in a pulsed manner during a heating operation.