Inductor Segmentation for High-Frequency Induction Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high voltage required for induction heating devices poses challenges in equipment construction, particularly in achieving reliable electrical insulation and minimizing parasitic inductance in connections, leading to risks of insulation breakdown and increased complexity.

Innovation Solution

The inductor is divided into separate elementary parts interconnected in series by capacitors, reducing the voltage between connection points and allowing for closer conductor placement without compromising insulation, thus simplifying the construction and reducing the risk of electrical breakdown.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high voltage is applied to the inductor to achieve high power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but electrical insulation reliability deteriorates and construction complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transferVSAvoidelectrical insulation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inductor is divided into multiple separate elementary inductive parts (at least two) that are interconnected in series by capacitors. This segmentation reduces the voltage between connection points from several thousand volts to a lower level, making electrical insulation more reliable and construction easier while maintaining the total inductance required for high power transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If high voltage is applied to the inductor to achieve high power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but construction complexity increases due to insulation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transferVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inductor is divided into multiple separate elementary inductive parts (at least two) that are interconnected in series by capacitors. This segmentation reduces the voltage between connection points from several thousand volts to a lower level, making electrical insulation more reliable and construction easier while maintaining the total inductance required for high power transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If conductors are placed close together to minimize parasitic inductance, then electrical efficiency is improved, but insulation breakdown risk increases under high voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparasitic inductance lossVSAvoidinsulation breakdown risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inductor is divided into multiple separate elementary inductive parts (at least two) that are interconnected in series by capacitors. This segmentation reduces the voltage between connection points from several thousand volts to a lower level, allowing conductors to be placed closer together without risking insulation breakdown, thus minimizing parasitic inductance while maintaining insulation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration enables efficient high-power transfer while minimizing construction difficulties, maintaining reliable insulation and reducing the risk of electrical ignition, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of the induction heating process.

Implementation Method 1

the inductor 3 surrounds a metal strip 4 to be heated; the length of the strip 4 is perpendicular to the plane of Fig.1. Inductive currents of intensity I surround strip 4 so as to create induced currents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a capacitive connection circuit between the power supply and the inductor arranged to increase the voltage across the terminals of the inductor relative to the voltage provided by the power supply

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive voltage multiplication: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

The circuit formed by the inductor 3 and the capacitors 2, 2' is an oscillating circuit, and the electrical voltage U (expressed in volts) which develops across the terminals of the inductor 3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2027754B2High frequency induction heating device, and induction oven equipped with such device
Publication Date: 2014.06.25 FIVES CELES
  • EP2027754B2 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2027754B2 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2027754B2 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The induction heating device includes: a high frequency electric supply; an suitable inductor (3) for encircling, at least partially, an induced element (4) for heating, this inductor having an inductance of determined value (L) for the desired heating power; and a capacitive mounting used to connect the supply and the inductor, designed to increase the voltage in the inductor terminals in comparison with the voltage supplied. The inductor consists of at least two distinct elementary inductive sections (3a, 3b, 3c) inter-connected in series by at least one condenser (2, 2a, 2b), the voltage which appears between the connection points of the elementary inductive parts being reduced in comparison with the voltage required for the inductor to function for the desired heating power.