Low-Frequency Heating Apparatus Using Magnetic Field Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-frequency heating methods face inefficiencies in heating objects evenly and cost-effectively, particularly in defrosting applications where variable object shapes lead to uneven heating and high installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A low-frequency heating apparatus using multiple helical coils and a matching circuit unit to adjust magnetic field strength based on object impedance, ensuring even heating through eddy current induction and impedance matching, allowing for simultaneous internal and external heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-frequency heating methods (e.g., microwave heating) are used to heat objects quickly, then heating speed is improved, but installation cost increases and heating uniformity deteriorates for objects with variable thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from high-frequency (microwave) to low-frequency electromagnetic induction heating. This parameter change enables faster heating than conventional low-frequency methods while reducing installation costs and improving heating uniformity for objects with variable thicknesses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic alternating magnetic fields generated by coils to induce eddy currents in the object. The periodic nature of the electromagnetic induction allows for controlled heating that maintains uniformity across objects of varying shapes and thicknesses
2Ease of manufacture
If low-frequency heating methods are used to reduce installation cost, then cost is reduced, but heating efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the low-frequency parameter range and coil configuration to achieve high heating efficiency. By carefully selecting the frequency range and coil geometry, the system achieves rapid heating comparable to microwave heating while maintaining the cost advantages of low-frequency induction heating
3Productivity
If the distance between heating coil and object is reduced to increase heating efficiency, then heating efficiency is improved, but heating uniformity deteriorates for objects with variable thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating system into multiple coils arranged in specific patterns (e.g., opposing coils, multi-layer configurations). This segmentation allows each coil to contribute to heating different regions of the object, maintaining uniformity even at close distances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions coils to create localized magnetic field distributions that adapt to the object's geometry. By optimizing coil placement and configuration, the system provides appropriate heating intensity to different regions of objects with variable thicknesses
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 apparatus achieves even heating of objects with reduced defrosting times and costs, as demonstrated by significant temperature increases across varying object surfaces, compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
induce a current through an object (e.g., a conductor) using electromagnetic induction by interlinking magnetic fields through the object
Implementation Method 2
induce a current through an object (e.g., a conductor) using electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 3
induce a current through an object (e.g., a conductor) using electromagnetic induction by interlinking magnetic fields through the object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A low-frequency heating apparatus is provided. The low-frequency heating apparatus includes a signal generator configured to generate an operation frequency for inducing a current through a coil unit surrounding an internal area of a housing of the heating apparatus, a power amplifier configured to amplify power of the operation frequency to a predetermined level and transmit the amplified operation frequency to the coil unit, the coil unit configured to be energized to heat an object provided inside the housing through a magnetic field generated by the current, and at least one processor configured to monitor an impedance value of the coil unit resonating at the operation frequency and control a resonant operation of the coil unit based on the impedance value of the coil unit and an impedance value of the power amplifier.