Induction Heating Spacer Control to Prevent Support Overheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic induction heating devices face challenges such as the need for temperature probes, electronic equipment on thermally sensitive areas, difficulty in retrofitting existing equipment, and risk of support degradation due to overheating, which complicates efficient and safe heating of objects.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor under the support detects its temperature, controlling the inductor to limit the electromagnetic field's intensity when approaching a degradation threshold, and includes cooling means to manage thermal regulation, with fans for efficient heat extraction, and a predetermined temperature rise slope to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature probe or contact device is used to detect the temperature of the heat-retaining object, then temperature regulation can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and the object to be heated must remain in physical contact with the sensing element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the support as an intermediary element to indirectly detect the temperature of the heat-retaining object. The support is in thermal contact with the object, and a temperature sensor attached to the support measures the support's temperature, which reflects the object's temperature. This eliminates the need for direct contact between the sensor and the object, simplifying the device structure while maintaining temperature regulation capability.
2Loss of information
If electronic equipment with transmitter/receiver is added to the spacer for LWMC or RFID communication, then information transmission about heating parameters is enabled, but the device complexity increases and precise positioning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from the spacer and relocates it to the support structure. This eliminates the need for electronic transmitters and receivers in the spacer, removing the complexity associated with LWMC or RFID communication systems while still enabling parameter monitoring through the temperature sensor on the support.
3Productivity
If the electromagnetic field intensity is increased to heat the object efficiently, then heating speed improves, but the support temperature increases and may exceed degradation threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the support's temperature and sends this information to a control unit. The control unit adjusts the electromagnetic field intensity generated by the inductor based on the detected temperature, reducing power when the threshold is approached. This feedback mechanism enables efficient heating while preventing support overheating and degradation.
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 allows for safe and efficient heating of objects without degrading the support, maintaining optimal temperature control and energy delivery, while avoiding overheating and ensuring the integrity of the heating device.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device adapted to create an electromagnetic field around the heat retention object, and an inductor
Implementation Method 2
a thermally insulating spacer interposed between the heat-retaining object and a support for limiting an amount of heat transfer from the heat-retaining object to the support
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor located under the support for detecting the temperature of the support
Implementation Method 4
the support behaving as an energy storage unit, its temperature tended towards the temperature of the heat retention object
Implementation Method 5
the spacer will favorably have a shape allowing natural convection and thermal radiation to pass towards the support
Implementation Method 6
means for controlling the inductor connected to the temperature sensor so that the electromagnetic field is induced according to the readings of the temperature sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Is concerned an apparatus for heating an object (3) adapted to be heated by magnetic induction and comprising a thermally insulating spacer (7) to be placed between the heat-retaining object and a support (13), an inductor (15), a temperature sensor positioned to read the temperature of the medium and inductor control means connected to the temperature sensor to cause the electromagnetic field to be induced according to the readings of the sensor (35), the inductor control means comprising means which limit the importance of the electromagnetic field when the temperature detected reaches a predetermined threshold lower than a degradation temperature of the support.