Microwave Processing Apparatus Uniform Heating Phase Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microwave ovens using magnetrons for heating objects face issues with non-uniform electromagnetic wave distribution, leading to uneven heating and increased size due to the need for multiple waveguides and rotational space for antennas, which complicates the design and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A microwave processing apparatus that uses two radiators to interfere with each other, allowing for adjustable phase differences and frequencies to achieve a desired electromagnetic wave distribution, eliminating the need for moving mechanisms and additional space, thereby miniaturizing the device and improving power conversion efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple waveguides are used to feed microwaves into the heating chamber, then the electromagnetic wave distribution becomes more uniform, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic wave distribution uniformityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple microwave radiation functions into a single integrated radiator structure. Instead of using separate waveguides and multiple radiation sources, the invention integrates the radiation function directly into the heating chamber wall, eliminating the need for multiple discrete waveguide components and reducing overall device volume while maintaining uniform electromagnetic wave distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The radiator in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the electromagnetic wave generation source and the heating chamber wall structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate waveguide structures and rotational mechanisms, achieving uniform heating while minimizing device size and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If rotational mechanisms are added to move radiators or objects, then the electromagnetic wave distribution becomes more uniform, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic wave distribution uniformityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical rotational mechanisms with a stationary radiator design that achieves uniform electromagnetic wave distribution through its geometric configuration and phase control. Instead of physically moving radiators or objects using complex mechanical systems, the invention uses phase shifters to electronically control wave interference patterns, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining heating uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the phase difference between radiated microwaves is changed, then the electromagnetic wave distribution changes to achieve uniform heating, but the device requires phase control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating uniformityVSAvoidphase control mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the phase parameter of radiated microwaves using integrated phase shifters to achieve uniform electromagnetic wave distribution. By controlling the phase difference between microwaves from different radiating elements, the system creates constructive and destructive interference patterns that result in uniform heating, while the phase control is implemented through compact electronic circuits rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 uniform and concentric heating of objects by controlling electromagnetic wave distribution, reducing the size and cost of the microwave processing apparatus while minimizing reflected power and heat generation, thus preventing damage to the microwave generator.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second radiators are arranged such that the microwaves respectively radiated therefrom interfere with each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

the microwave generated by the microwave generator is radiated to the object from the first and second radiators

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the phase difference between the microwaves respectively radiated from the first and second radiators is changed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 4

objects arranged inside the heating chambers to be heated using the microwaves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3051925B1Microwave processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2017.10.11 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP3051925B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3051925B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3051925B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A microwave oven includes a microwave generation device and a case. Three antennas are provided in the case. The two antennas are opposite each other along a horizontal direction. In the microwave generation device, a power distributor almost equally distributes a microwave generated by a microwave generator among phase variators. Each of the phase variators adjusts the phase of the fedmicrowave. This causes a phase difference between microwaves respectively radiated from the opposite two antennas to change. The microwaves are respectively radiated from the antennas.