Induction Heater with Segmented Target Workpiece for Shaving Products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction heating systems face inefficiencies in heating specific target workpieces, leading to indirect heating, cross-contamination risks, and unreliable temperature control, particularly in dispenser applications where only a portion of the material needs to be heated.
Innovation Solution
An induction heater with a conductive metallic target workpiece positioned within an induction cavity, utilizing a motion sensor for automatic dispensing and an RFID tag for precise heating control, ensuring only the necessary volume of material is heated, minimizing degradation and allowing for easy container removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If resistive heating is used to heat material in containers, then the heating system is simple and inexpensive, but the heating efficiency is low and cross-contamination occurs between different materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the heating function by introducing a removable container with an integrated target workpiece that can be selectively heated. Only the specific container containing the target workpiece receives electromagnetic energy, while other containers remain unheated. This segmentation eliminates cross-contamination and improves energy efficiency by directing heat only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
An electromagnetic field acts as an intermediary between the power source and the material. The induction heating coil generates an electromagnetic field that induces eddy currents in the conductive target workpiece, which then generates heat internally. This indirect heating mechanism through electromagnetic induction provides efficient, contactless heating without the inefficiencies of resistive elements.
2Loss of energy
If induction heating is used to heat the entire container, then heating efficiency improves, but material degradation increases and container interchangeability becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies heating locally rather than uniformly across the entire container. The electromagnetic field is configured to heat only the portion of the material in contact with the target workpiece within the induction cavity. This localized heating approach maintains high efficiency while preventing overheating and degradation of the bulk material that remains outside the heated zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial heating action by heating only the necessary volume of material required for the application. The induction cavity is sized to contain only the amount of material that needs to be heated, avoiding excessive heating of the entire container contents. This partial action prevents material degradation while maintaining heating efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are integrated into the induction heater, then temperature control is provided, but the system complexity increases and measurement reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback through temperature sensors that monitor the temperature of the target workpiece or material. The control circuit receives temperature information and adjusts the electromagnetic field parameters accordingly to maintain the desired temperature. This feedback mechanism provides accurate temperature control while using simple, reliable sensor integration rather than complex control algorithms.
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 system efficiently heats only the required volume of material, reducing degradation and preventing cross-contamination, while maintaining precise temperature control and easy container interchangeability.
Implementation Method 1
induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive object by electromagnetic induction, where eddy currents are generated within the target workpiece
Implementation Method 2
eddy currents are generated within the target workpiece
Implementation Method 3
The heat generated is then transferred to the material either through convection or conduction
Data Source
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AI summary
An induction-heating device for heating and or melting a heat affected product zone of shaving or cosmetic products stored in a product container which consists of a layer of said product heated by an electrically conductive metallic target member having through-passages overlying said top product surface and energized by an induction coil into which an electromagnetic field is generated by electronic circuitry for a predetermined time period into said product container, thereby permitting said heated and or melted product to flow through said through-passages onto said top surface of said target member to be collected by a user for shaving or cosmetic purposes.