Induction Heating Device Pneumatic Cooling Flowpath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction heating devices require bulky liquid coolant systems for cooling, which increase weight, complexity, and safety concerns due to the need for sealed and insulated connections, and are not easily maintainable.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating method and apparatus using compressed air as a cooling fluid, with a hollow handle portion and inductor winding, where pressurized air is conveyed through a cooling flowpath to manage heat, allowing for controlled heating cycles and safe operation without the need for liquid coolant systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a liquid coolant system is used for cooling the induction heating device, then effective heat dissipation is achieved, but the device weight and structural complexity increase due to reservoirs, heat exchangers, and sealed connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the liquid coolant system with a pneumatic cooling system using compressed air. The compressed air is conveyed through a cooling flowpath that passes through the handle portion and the inductor winding, directly removing heat from critical components without requiring reservoirs, heat exchangers, or sealed liquid connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the bulky liquid coolant components (reservoirs, heat exchangers, complex piping) from the induction heating device, retaining only the essential cooling function through a simplified compressed air delivery system.
2Temperature
If a liquid coolant system is used, then heat dissipation is effective, but safety concerns arise due to the need for sealed and electrically insulated connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the safety issues associated with liquid coolants by using compressed air instead. Compressed air is inherently safer as it is compressible, non-conductive, and does not require sealed connections, thereby eliminating risks of leakage, electrical short circuits, and contamination.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a liquid coolant reservoir is provided, then continuous cooling is ensured, but the device becomes bulkier and harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy liquid coolant reservoir with a compressed air supply system that can be connected externally. This eliminates the need for large onboard storage, significantly reducing device weight and bulk while maintaining continuous cooling capability through an external air source.
4Device complexity
If the same tube is used for both power cable passage and liquid coolant conveyance, then device structure is simplified, but high-quality sealed and insulated connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for dual-function tubes by using separate pathways for power and cooling. The compressed air system uses dedicated cooling flowpaths that do not require electrical insulation or sealed connections, simplifying the overall structure while reducing connection complexity requirements.
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 use of compressed air reduces the device's weight and complexity, enhances safety, and allows for efficient heat management, maintaining temperatures within safe limits for the electronic components while enabling easy maintenance and operation, suitable for most workshop tasks.
Implementation Method 1
induction heating method of a metal body, namely for inducing in it heating currents heating by electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
conveying a flow of a pressurized cooling air at a predetermined pressure through the cooling flowpath
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An induction heating method and apparatus for heating a metal body by electromagnetic induction, wherein an electric generation unit (40) is configured to supply a working current into an inductor winding (32) of an inductor circuit (30) of a portable induction heating device (1) comprising a hollow handle portion or handpiece (10) that includes such electric components as a current transformer (50), and wherein a cooling air feed section (60) is arranged for conveying a flow of pressurized cooling air (2) in a cooling flowpath (70) defined within the inductor winding (32) and within the hollow handle portion (10). A control unit (80) is configured block a step (150) of supplying a working alternating current to inductor circuit (30) after a maximum heating time (τH), preferably 10-30 seconds has elapsed since when the step (150) of supplying said working alternating current is started, and for inhibiting further heating during an inhibition time (τι) preferably of 40-80 seconds, allowing a safe heating operation while avoiding a more expensive and troublesome liquid heating. (Figs. 1, 10]