Pivoting Induction Coil Layout for Popcorn Kettle Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing popcorn machines with induction heating face issues such as energy inefficiency, space constraints, and overheating due to a large distance between the induction coil and the container, which weakens the magnetic field and complicates popcorn removal and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The induction coil is pivoted with the container and integrated into a base, with a high-frequency generator connected by closely spaced supply lines to cancel out magnetic fields, and a ferromagnetic inner base to concentrate eddy currents for efficient heating, along with a temperature sensor and ventilation to control heating and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the induction coil is positioned at a large distance from the container bottom, then the base structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the magnetic field strength is weakened and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The induction coil is made pivotable together with the container, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position relative to the container bottom. This maintains optimal proximity for magnetic field coupling during operation while allowing the base structure to be simplified when the coil is in its retracted position.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is divided into a stationary base and a movable base that carries the induction coil. The movable base can pivot independently, separating the structural support function from the heating function, thus simplifying the overall base design while maintaining heating efficiency.
2Device complexity
If the induction coil is positioned at a large distance from the container bottom, then the structure is simpler, but the production time increases due to weaker heating
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable induction coil allows the system to switch between a compact configuration for simplicity and an extended configuration for rapid heating, optimizing both structural simplicity and production speed depending on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction coil is pre-positioned in optimal proximity to the container bottom before operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures maximum magnetic field coupling is achieved immediately when heating starts, reducing the time required to reach operating temperature.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the base protrudes into the warming room, then the induction heating is enabled, but the space available for holding popcorn is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The induction coil base protrudes into the warming room only when needed for heating operations. When retracted, the full warming room space is available for holding popcorn, thus dynamically optimizing both heating capability and storage space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction coil assembly is extracted from the main base structure and mounted on a separate movable base. This allows the heating components to be temporarily positioned where needed and then removed, preventing permanent occupation of warming room space that would reduce popcorn storage capacity.
4Volume of moving object
If the container is suspended from the ceiling of the warming room, then the structure is compact, but the distance between the induction coil and container bottom increases, weakening the magnetic field
Solution Approach 1:
The movable base carrying the induction coil can pivot to follow the container's movement, maintaining optimal distance for magnetic field coupling regardless of the container's suspended position. This dynamic tracking ensures consistent heating efficiency while preserving the compact suspended container arrangement.
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 design reduces energy consumption by 30-35% and production time by 30-50%, optimizes space usage, and ensures safe and efficient popcorn production by maintaining the desired temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heater which has an induction coil arranged underneath the container for generating a high-frequency alternating magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a ferromagnetic inner base to concentrate eddy currents for efficient heating
Implementation Method 3
a high-frequency generator connected by closely spaced supply lines to cancel out magnetic fields
Implementation Method 4
a temperature sensor and ventilation to control heating and prevent overheating
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a popcorn machine (2) comprising a housing (4; 70), a receptacle (8) for heating corn and fat that are fed into the receptacle (8) to make popcorn. The receptacle (8) can be swiveled relative to the housing (4; 70) in order to be emptied. The popcorn machine (2) further comprises an induction heater encompassing an induction coil (30; 116) that is arranged below the receptacle (8) to generate a high-frequency alternating magnetic field. The induction coil (30; 116) can be swiveled along with the receptacle (8).