Multi-Frequency Electromagnetic Energy Application for Uniform Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic energy application technologies face challenges in achieving uniform energy absorption due to varying absorptive properties of materials, which depend on temperature, phase, and shape, leading to irregular energy distribution and control issues in objects of different compositions and shapes.
Innovation Solution
The use of a controller to determine energy absorbable values at multiple frequencies and adjust energy supply to radiating elements to match these values, ensuring that energy absorption is targeted and uniform across a range of frequencies, with the option to prevent energy application at frequencies with high absorbable values to avoid overheating or uneven heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electromagnetic energy is applied at a single frequency, then the device complexity is reduced, but the uniformity of energy absorption deteriorates due to varying absorptive properties of materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic energy application into multiple frequency components. Instead of using a single frequency source, the system divides the energy application across multiple frequencies (e.g., first frequency and second frequency) to address different absorptive properties of materials, thereby achieving more uniform energy distribution without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of electromagnetic energy to match the absorptive characteristics of different materials. By selecting specific frequencies that correspond to the absorptive properties of various materials in the object, the system achieves uniform energy absorption across diverse material compositions without increasing device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If electromagnetic energy is applied to achieve uniform field distribution, then the energy distribution uniformity is improved, but the control precision deteriorates due to variable absorptive properties changing with temperature and phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-selecting multiple frequencies that correspond to the absorptive properties of materials before energy application begins. The system determines the appropriate frequency combination in advance based on the object's material composition, allowing for precise control of energy absorption even as temperature and phase change during the process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the frequency parameter of electromagnetic energy to compensate for changes in material absorptive properties. As temperature and phase change affect absorption characteristics, the system adjusts the frequency distribution across multiple frequencies to maintain consistent energy absorption control throughout the process
3Manufacturing precision
If electromagnetic energy is applied at multiple frequencies, then the uniformity of energy absorption is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multi-frequency energy supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the electromagnetic energy source to perform multiple functions: it can operate at multiple frequencies and can be adjusted to match different material absorptive properties. This multi-functional capability allows a single device to achieve uniform energy absorption across diverse materials without requiring separate specialized equipment for each frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamics by making the frequency distribution adjustable and adaptable. The system can dynamically adjust the proportion of energy at different frequencies based on the object's characteristics and absorption requirements, allowing for optimized uniform energy distribution without requiring a completely complex multi-frequency device architecture
4Productivity
If electromagnetic energy is applied without considering absorbable energy values, then the productivity is maintained, but the temperature control precision deteriorates leading to overheating or uneven heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by determining the absorbable energy value at different frequencies and using this information to adjust the energy distribution. The system measures or calculates how much energy each frequency component will be absorbed by the object, then adjusts the energy supply at each frequency to achieve the desired temperature control, preventing both overheating and uneven heating while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the energy distribution parameter across different frequencies based on absorbable energy values. The system modifies the proportion of energy at each frequency to match the object's absorption characteristics, enabling precise temperature control during the energy application process without sacrificing productivity
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 approach enables more precise and uniform energy absorption, reducing temperature variations and improving the efficiency of energy distribution within objects, regardless of their composition or shape, by dynamically adjusting energy application based on absorbable energy values.
Implementation Method 1
Electromagnetic energy may be supplied using a magnetron, which is typically tuned to a single frequency for applying electromagnetic energy only in that frequency
Implementation Method 2
Due to the nature of the absorptive properties of electromagnetic energy, even if uniform electromagnetic field distribution could be achieved at a particular frequency, energy absorption might not be uniform
Implementation Method 3
To increase the distribution of electromagnetic waves, the typical microwave oven includes a metallic fan (behind a grill in the oven) to disturb the standing wave pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for applying electromagnetic energy to an object in an energy application zone via at least one radiating element is disclosed. The apparatus may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to determine a value indicative of energy absorbable by the object at each of a plurality of frequencies and to cause the at least one radiating element to apply energy to the zone in at least a subset of the plurality of frequencies. Energy applied to the zone at each of the subset of frequencies may be a function of the absorbable energy value at each frequency.