Portable Induction Heater Layout for Faster Bearing Heating Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction heaters for annular bearing components are cumbersome and difficult to use due to the need to separately carry and connect a heating clamp, temperature probe, and heat-resistant gloves, leading to a lengthy and inconvenient process.

Innovation Solution

A portable induction heater with a housing that integrates the induction heater, heating clamp, temperature probe, gloves, and a bearing holder, featuring dedicated pockets and connectors for easy storage and use, along with a user interface for controlling heating duration and temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the induction heater is designed as a separate unit with external heating clamp, temperature probe, and gloves, then the heating function is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to carry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the induction heater, heating clamp, temperature probe, heat-resistant gloves, and bearing holder into a single portable unit with a unified housing. All components are stored within the housing and can be quickly accessed through dedicated openings, eliminating the need to carry multiple separate items and significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable induction heater serves multiple functions within a single device: it provides induction heating through the heating clamp, temperature measurement via the temperature probe, protective coverage with heat-resistant gloves, and component support with the bearing holder. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate devices needed while maintaining comprehensive heating capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of time

If the heating clamp, temperature probe, and gloves are stored separately in a bag, then the components are protected, but the setup process becomes long and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup timeVSAvoidconvenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

All necessary components (heating clamp, temperature probe, gloves, bearing holder) are pre-stored within the housing in designated locations. The housing includes specific openings for each component, allowing the operator to quickly access and connect them without searching through a bag or preparing anything in advance, thus reducing setup time and improving convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The heating clamp, temperature probe, gloves, and bearing holder are all nested within the housing structure. Each component has its own storage space or opening within the unified housing, allowing everything to be contained in one compact unit while remaining easily accessible, eliminating the need to carry multiple separate bags or containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Weight of moving object

If all components are integrated into a single portable housing, then portability and ease of use are improved, but the housing structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidhousing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into distinct sections and openings, each dedicated to a specific component (heating clamp opening, temperature probe opening, glove storage, bearing holder pocket). This segmentation allows for organized storage and quick access to each component while maintaining a compact overall structure, balancing portability with functional organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 portable design simplifies the heating process by allowing all necessary components to be stored and accessed within the same unit, reducing setup time and improving convenience for operators.

Implementation Method 1

Thermal expansion of such annular bearing components induced by induction heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

an induction heater comprising a heating clamp connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a heating clamp intended to be stored into the pocket and intended to be connected to the heating clamp connector in use

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20230184293A1Portable induction heater for annular bearing components comprising pockets

Publication Date: 2023.06.15 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A portable heater for an annular bearing component includes an induction heater having a heating clamp connector and a main cable for the alimentation of the induction heater, a housing inside which is located the induction heater, the housing providing openings for the heating clamp connector and the main cable, a handle in order for an operator to grab the portable heater, and at least one pocket, a heating clamp intended to be stored into the pocket and intended to be connected to the heating clamp connector when in use.