Openable Induction Coil for Shielded Enclosure Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction coils are difficult to maintain due to their closed design, which complicates maintenance and requires complete disassembly of the electromagnetic shield assembly, and there is a need for an openable induction coil that can be easily inserted or removed from the shielded enclosure while maintaining a gastight seal.

Innovation Solution

An openable induction coil that can be pivoted within an electromagnetically shielded enclosure, allowing for maintenance without complete disassembly, and a dynamic gas curtain is injected through spaces between the coil and enclosure to maintain a gastight seal when the coil is closed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a closed solenoidal induction coil design is used, then electromagnetic shielding is effective, but maintenance becomes difficult and requires complete disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic shielding effectivenessVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The induction coil is divided into multiple separable sections (first section and second section) that can be moved relative to each other. The coil assembly includes a first coil section and a second coil section that can be separated to allow maintenance while maintaining electromagnetic shielding when closed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coil assembly incorporates movable connections allowing the coil sections to transition between open and closed positions. The dynamic structure enables the coil to be opened for maintenance and closed for operation, adapting to different functional requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If the induction coil is made openable for maintenance, then accessibility improves, but maintaining a gastight seal becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoil accessibilityVSAvoidsealing mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible seal member is provided between the first and second coil sections to maintain a gastight seal when the coil assembly is in the closed position. The flexible seal adapts to the movement and positioning of the coil sections while maintaining sealing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member acts as an intermediary element between the movable coil sections and the electromagnetic shield enclosure, facilitating the transition between open and closed states while maintaining the gastight seal requirement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If the induction coil is opened for maintenance, then maintenance becomes easier, but disturbance to the electromagnetic shield structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance convenienceVSAvoidshield assembly disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic shield enclosure is segmented to accommodate the movable coil sections, allowing the coil to be opened for maintenance without requiring complete disassembly of the shield structure. The shield maintains its integrity while permitting controlled access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The induction coil assembly is nested within the electromagnetic shield enclosure, with the coil sections able to move independently within the shielded space. This nesting arrangement allows maintenance access while preserving the overall shield structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables convenient maintenance of the induction coil with minimal disturbance to the electromagnetic shield structure and maintains a gastight seal during operation, allowing for efficient opening and re-closing without resealing, and supports gas injection into the induction furnace.

Implementation Method 1

A closed solenoidal induction coil can be used to inductively heat a material by passing the material through the coil while alternating current of a suitable frequency is supplied to the coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

passing the material through the coil while alternating current of a suitable frequency is supplied to the coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

a dynamic gas curtain is injected through spaces between the coil and enclosure to maintain a gastight seal when the coil is closed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas curtain:

Data Source

PatentEP2342944B1Openable induction coil and electromagnetically shielded inductor assembly

Publication Date: 2021.11.17 INDUCTOTHERM CORP

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Figure 3(a)

AI summary

An openable induction coil is provided. An electromagnetically shielded inductor assembly can be formed from the openable induction coil and an electromagnetically shielded enclosure into which the coil can be inserted. The induction coil can be pivoted open while in the shielding enclosure without complete disassembly of the enclosure. In some examples of the invention a dynamic "curtain" of a gas is injected through spaces between opening portions of the coil and adjacent sections of the shielding enclosure, and into the interior of the induction furnace formed by the openable induction coil when it is in the closed position.