Magnetron Power Control Using Anode Feedback to Prevent Overheating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microwave apparatuses face the challenge of magnetron overheating due to uncertainty in load conditions, leading to shortened lifespan and frequent damage.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for regulating the temperature of a magnetron using a variable-frequency power supply, where the output power is adjusted based on anode current, input power, or anode voltage to prevent overheating, involving calculations of anode threshold voltage and temperature, and utilizing a controller to implement these adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the microwave apparatus drives the magnetron to generate microwaves to affect the load, then the productivity is improved, but the temperature of the magnetron may abruptly rise causing over-temperature damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrowave generation capabilityVSAvoidmagnetron temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the magnetron's operating state (anode current, input power, or anode voltage) and adjusts the output power of the variable-frequency power supply in real-time. When the magnetron temperature approaches or exceeds a threshold, the controller reduces the output power to prevent over-temperature damage, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining productivity and controlling temperature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic power adjustment strategy where the output power of the power supply is not fixed but varies based on real-time monitoring of magnetron parameters. The controller dynamically modifies the power level according to the magnetron's thermal state, enabling the system to adapt between high-power operation for productivity and low-power operation for temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If no temperature regulation measures are taken, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the magnetron deteriorates due to over-temperature damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidmagnetron reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback-based temperature regulation system that monitors magnetron parameters (anode current, input power, or anode voltage) and adjusts power output accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures magnetron reliability by preventing over-temperature damage while maintaining relatively simple implementation through existing power supply control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the magnetron's own operating parameters (anode current, input power, or anode voltage) as indicators of its thermal state, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors. The magnetron essentially serves its own monitoring function, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through intelligent control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3706512B1Magnetron temperature regulating method, device, and system, variable-frequency power supply, and microwave device
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 SHENZHEN MEGMEET ELECTRICAL CO LTD
  • EP3706512B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP3706512B1 patent drawingFigure 1b~2
  • EP3706512B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A method and device for regulating a temperature of a magnetron, a controller, a variable-frequency power supply, a system for regulating a temperature of a magnetron, and a microwave apparatus are provided. Wherein, the method for regulating the temperature of the magnetron includes: determining an anode current flowing through the magnetron or an input power of a variable-frequency power supply or an anode voltage applied to two ends of the magnetron, the input power or an output power of the variable-frequency power supply being configured to drive the magnetron to operate (51); regulating the output power of the variable-frequency power supply according to the anode current or the input power or the anode voltage (52). Therefore, the output power of the variable-frequency power supply may be timely regulated to regulate the anode temperature of the magnetron, such that the magnetron is prevented from damages due to over-temperature.