Planar Multi-Loop Induction Coil for Wider Thermoplastic Weld Seams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction welding technologies fail to produce a wide, robust weld seam effectively, particularly when joining fiber-reinforced thermoplastic materials, resulting in inadequate bonding strength.

Innovation Solution

The induction welder features a conductive element configured into multiple loops within a common plane, with segments oriented parallel and angularly offset to align with the fiber reinforcement patterns in the thermoplastic bodies, ensuring efficient energy distribution and enhanced weld seam formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional induction welding coil configuration is used, then the welding process is simple, but the weld seam width and robustness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld seam robustnessVSAvoidcoil configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The induction welding coil is divided into multiple discrete segments or zones along its length, with each segment capable of being independently controlled. This segmentation allows different portions of the weld seam to receive optimized electromagnetic energy distribution, creating wider and more robust welds while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular control architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coil configuration is designed with varying properties along its length, including changes in turn density, wire diameter, or spacing to create localized zones with different electromagnetic field characteristics. This local quality variation enables optimization of weld seam width and strength at specific locations without requiring complete redesign of the entire coil, balancing performance improvement with design complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If conventional coil configuration is used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but energy distribution efficiency is poor for fiber-reinforced materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy distribution efficiencyVSAvoidcoil manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coil design incorporates variations in geometric parameters such as turn spacing, wire diameter, and coil dimensions to optimize electromagnetic energy distribution. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves improved energy efficiency for heating fiber-reinforced thermoplastic materials while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized production techniques for the modified geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If simple coil configuration is used, then device operation is easy, but weld seam width is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld seam widthVSAvoidcoil structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coil configuration transitions from a simple planar or single-dimensional arrangement to a multi-dimensional spatial structure with variations in multiple geometric parameters simultaneously. This dimensional complexity enables broader energy distribution across the weld area, achieving wider weld seams while the modular nature of the dimensional changes keeps operational complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration produces a wider, more robust weld seam, improving the bonding strength between fiber-reinforced thermoplastic components by aligning the conductive elements with the fiber orientations, thereby increasing the weld's durability and consistency.

Implementation Method 1

induction welder includes a first lead, a second lead and an induction welding coil. The induction welding coil is electrically coupled with the first lead and the second lead

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The induction welding coil is configured as or otherwise includes a conductive element. This conductive element is configured into at least a plurality of loops arranged within a common plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

The first segment is at least substantially parallel with the parallel first fibers. The second segment is at least substantially parallel with the parallel second fibers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4052888A1Induction welder and induction welding method
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 ROHR INC
  • EP4052888A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4052888A1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP4052888A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An induction welder (20) is provided that includes a first lead (28), a second lead (30) and an induction welding coil (32). The induction welding coil (32) is electrically coupled with the first lead (28) and the second lead (30). The induction welding coil (32) is configured as or otherwise includes a conductive element (58). This conductive element (58) is configured into at least a plurality of loops (62A, 62B) arranged within a common plane.