Induction Heating Coil and Capacitor Segmentation for Dynamic Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction heating devices for metallic products are cumbersome and less reactive due to rigid connections between coils and capacitor devices, requiring powerful drives and resulting in larger, less adaptable designs, which hinder rapid adjustments to changing production conditions.

Innovation Solution

The capacitor device is made independent and displaceable in the horizontal plane, allowing it to move separately from the coil, with flexible energy transmission, reducing cable length and weight, and enabling better protection from thermal and mechanical influences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the coil and capacitor assembly are connected by fixed, inflexible connections, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to changing production conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to changing production conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The induction heating device is divided into separate functional modules: the coil assembly and the capacitor assembly are disconnected from each other. The coil can be moved independently along the production line while the capacitor assembly remains stationary or moves independently, allowing flexible adaptation to different production conditions without requiring movement of the entire heavy assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, fixed connection configuration to a dynamic, flexible connection system. The coil assembly is made movable along the production line with independent positioning capability, while the capacitor assembly can remain stationary or move independently, enabling the system to adapt dynamically to changing production requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the entire coil and capacitor assembly is moved together, then the electrical connection stability is improved, but the weight and size of moving components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidweight of moving assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heavy capacitor assembly is separated from the movable coil assembly. Only the lightweight coil assembly needs to be moved along the production line, while the heavy capacitor assembly remains stationary or moves independently. This segmentation dramatically reduces the weight that must be moved while maintaining stable electrical connections through flexible cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the coil and capacitor assembly is made larger to accommodate fixed connections, then the connection reliability is improved, but the responsiveness to production changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidresponse speed to production changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables rapid reconfiguration by allowing the coil assembly to be quickly positioned at different locations along the production line independently of the capacitor assembly. This dynamic separation allows the system to respond rapidly to changing production requirements without the inertia of moving a large, integrated assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If flexible connections are used between coil and capacitor, then the adaptability of the coil movement is improved, but the electrical losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil movement adaptabilityVSAvoidelectrical losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Flexible cables serve as intermediaries that transmit electrical energy between the stationary capacitor assembly and the movable coil assembly. These cables are designed to minimize electrical losses while accommodating the relative movement between components, enabling flexible positioning without significant energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design enhances the dynamic adjustment of the coil relative to the metallic material, reduces electrical losses, and minimizes auxiliary energy required for movement, leading to a more efficient and adaptable induction heating system.

Implementation Method 1

a first oscillating circuit for generating a magnetic field for heating the metallic product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The invention relates to an induction heating device for heating a metallic product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4468821A1Induction heating device, production line and use of an induction heating device and method for operating such an induction heating device
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 SMS GROUP GMBH
  • EP4468821A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4468821A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4468821A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an induction heating device for heating a metallic good, in particular a semi-finished product and/or a preliminary product and/or an intermediate product and/or a product made of ferrous, steel and/or a non-ferrous metal material, which comprises a first resonant circuit for generating a magnetic field for heating the metallic good, and a power supply device for supplying the first resonant circuit with electrical energy, wherein the first resonant circuit comprises a first coil and a capacitor assembly, in particular a first capacitor assembly, wherein the first coil and the capacitor assembly are electrically connected by at least one cable, wherein the first coil is displaceably mounted in a horizontal plane and/or in a vertical direction, wherein the capacitor assembly is arranged independently of the first coil, and wherein the induction heating device is characterized bythat the capacitor assembly is mounted so as to be movable in the horizontal plane.